Categories: Ranunculaceae

Small meadow-rue (Thalictrum simplex, Mant. Pl.: 78 (1767))

Family: Ranunculaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Mant. Pl.: 78 (1767)

Year: 1767

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Thalictrum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Temp. Eurasia

Description

Small meadow-rue is a delicate and elegant herbaceous perennial that belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. Renowned by its scientific name, Thalictrum simplex, this charming plant was first described in the notable botanical reference “Mant. Pl.,” published in 1767 by the esteemed taxonomist Carl Linnaeus (denoted as L.).

Native to the temperate regions of Eurasia, Small meadow-rue thrives in open meadows, forest edges, and along riverbanks where it can take advantage of moist, well-drained soil conditions. The plant showcases an upright, slender growth habit, reaching heights of up to 1.5 meters, adorned with finely divided, feathery foliage that gives it a delicate and airy appearance.

During its blooming season, Small meadow-rue produces clusters of small, inconspicuous flowers typically in shades of greenish-white or pale yellow. These flowers are known for their filamentous stamens which contribute to the plant’s overall elegance, swaying gently with the breeze and adding a touch of ethereal beauty to natural landscapes.

This plant is particularly valued in garden settings for its ornamental appeal and ability to complement other flowering plants with its subtle, understated blooms. It is also appreciated for its ecological benefits, providing habitat and nectar for a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

In summary, Small meadow-rue (Thalictrum simplex) stands as a testament to the understated beauty and ecological importance found within the Ranunculaceae family. Its graceful presence in temperate Eurasian landscapes highlights its adaptability and enduring charm, making it a treasured addition to both wild and cultivated gardens.

Common Names

Deu: einfache wiesenraute
Dan: rank frøstjerne
Swe: backruta
Eng: small meadow-rue
Nob: rankfrøstjerne, (smalfrøstjerne)
Nno: rankfrøstjerne, (smalfrøstjerne), stautfrøstjerne
En: Small meadow-rue
Be: Пылюшнік просты
Zh: 箭头唐松草
Cs: Žluťucha jednoduchá
Da: Rank frøstjerne
Nl: Onvertakte ruit
Fi: Hoikkaängelmä
Fr: Pigamon à folioles linéaires, Pigamon à tige simple, Pigamon simple, Pigamon à feuilles étroites
De: Einfache Wiesenraute
It: Pigamo arba-scopaia, Pigamo erba-scopaia
Mn: Энгийн буржгар
Nb: Rankfrøstjerne, (smalfrøstjerne)
Nn: Rankfrøstjerne, (smalfrøstjerne), Stautfrøstjerne
Pl: Rutewka pojedyncza
Ru: Василистник простой
Sv: Backruta

Synonyms

Thalictrum angustifolium subsp. simplex ((L.) Bonnier)
Thalictrum angustifolium var. simplex ((L.) Bolzon)
Thalictrum flavum subsp. simplex ((L.) O.Bolòs & Vigo)
Thalictrum simplex var. duriusculum (Laest.)

Distribution

Altay (native)
Amur (native)
Austria (native)
Baltic States (native)
Belarus (native)
Bulgaria (native)
Buryatiya (native)
Central European Rus (native)
China North-Central (native)
China South-Central (native)
Chita (native)
Czechoslovakia (native)
Denmark (native)
East European Russia (native)
Finland (native)
France (native)
Germany (native)
Greece (native)
Hungary (native)
Inner Mongolia (native)
Iran (native)
Irkutsk (native)
Italy (native)
Japan (native)
Kazakhstan (native)
Khabarovsk (native)
Kirgizstan (native)
Korea (native)
Krasnoyarsk (native)
Magadan (native)
Manchuria (native)
Mongolia (native)
North Caucasus (native)
North European Russi (native)
Northwest European R (native)
Norway (native)
Poland (native)
Primorye (native)
Qinghai (native)
Romania (native)
South European Russi (native)
Sweden (native)
Switzerland (native)
Transcaucasus (native)
Turkey (native)
Tuva (native)
Ukraine (native)
Uzbekistan (native)
West Siberia (native)
Xinjiang (native)
Yakutskiya (native)
Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Françoise CARLE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 9, 2020 by Lugifa Lugifa (cc-by-sa)