Stinking meadow-rue (Thalictrum foetidum, Sp. Pl.: 545 (1753))

Family: Ranunculaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 545 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Thalictrum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Temp. Eurasia

Description

Stinking meadow-rue, scientifically known as Thalictrum foetidum, is a fascinating plant that belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. The species was first described and classified by Linnaeus in his work Species Plantarum in 1753, where it was listed on page 545.

Native to the temperate regions of Eurasia, stinking meadow-rue thrives in these climates, showcasing its adaptability and resilience. This species is distinguished by its unique, rather pungent odor, which is particularly notable when the leaves are crushed. While the common name may suggest an unappealing characteristic, the plant itself possesses a certain rugged beauty that contributes significantly to the biodiversity of the regions it inhabits.

Thalictrum foetidum typically grows in moist, well-drained soils and can often be found in meadows and open woodland areas. Its growth habit includes erect stems that support finely divided, fern-like foliage. During its blooming period, the plant produces small, clustered flowers that range in color from greenish-yellow to pale yellow.

Beyond its ecological function, stinking meadow-rue holds a place of interest for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike due to its distinctive traits and the role it plays in its native habitats. As part of the diverse Ranunculaceae family, it shares a lineage with many other notable species, contributing further to its botanical relevance.

In summary, Thalictrum foetidum, or stinking meadow-rue, is a noteworthy member of the meadow-rue genus, offering both ecological value and botanical intrigue. Its presence across the temperate landscapes of Eurasia adds to the intricate tapestry of plant life in these regions, underscored by its characteristic and somewhat infamous fragrance.

Common Names

Swe: mossruta
En: Stinking Meadow-rue
Nl: Stinkende Ruit
Fr: Pigamon fétide
De: Stinkende Wiesenraute, Stink-Wiesenraute
It: Pigamo puzzolente
Sv: Mossruta
: Stinking meadow-rue

Synonyms

• Thalictrum minus subsp. foetidum ((L.) Bonnier & Layens)
• Thalictrum minus var. foetidum ((L.) Hook.f. & Thomson)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Altay (native)
• Amur (native)
• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• Chita (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Iran (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Italy (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Nepal (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Qinghai (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Tuva (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Jul 10, 1987 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

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

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

Taken Sep 7, 2019 by Tela Botanica − José Luis Romero Rego (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

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

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

Taken Jul 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Habit

Taken Jul 10, 1987 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 16, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Nicolas BONY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

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

Taken Aug 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Sep 7, 2019 by Tela Botanica − José Luis Romero Rego (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 7, 2019 by Tela Botanica − José Luis Romero Rego (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7277908)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:714440-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Thalictrum foetidum L.)

Specifications

Growth