Wright’s meadow-rue (Thalictrum fendleri, Mem. Amer. Acad. Arts, n.s., 4: 5 (1849))

Family: Ranunculaceae

Author: Engelm. ex A.Gray

Bibliography: Mem. Amer. Acad. Arts, n.s., 4: 5 (1849)

Year: 1849

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Thalictrum

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. & C. U.S.A. to Mexico

Description

Wright’s meadow-rue, scientifically known as Thalictrum fendleri, is a captivating perennial plant that belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. This species was first described by the noted botanists Engelm. ex A.Gray, as detailed in the 1849 publication “Mem. Amer. Acad. Arts.” Its natural habitat spans across the western and central regions of the United States, extending down into Mexico, where it thrives in a variety of environmental conditions.

Characterized by its graceful, feathery foliage and delicate clusters of flowers, Wright’s meadow-rue is a visually appealing plant often found in meadows and along stream banks. The flowers, which typically bloom in late spring to early summer, are a soft blend of greenish-white to purplish hues, contributing to the plant’s charming and subtle allure. The plant’s intricate leaves, divided into numerous lobes, add a textural element to the landscape, making it a favored choice for gardeners seeking to create naturalistic planting schemes.

Thalictrum fendleri is not only admired for its beauty but also for its ecological value. It provides habitat and nectar for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, thereby playing a role in sustaining local ecosystems. The plant’s ability to adapt to different moisture levels and soil types makes it a resilient addition to both wild and cultivated gardens.

In summary, Wright’s meadow-rue (Thalictrum fendleri) is a valuable species within the Ranunculaceae family, notable for its aesthetic appeal and ecological benefits. Found across a broad geographic range from the U.S.A. to Mexico, this plant continues to be a subject of botanical interest and admiration.

Common Names

Eng: fendler’s meadow-rue, fendler’s meadowrue
En: Wright’s meadow-rue, Fendler’s meadow-rue, Fendler’s meadowrue

Synonyms

• Thalictrum fendleri var. quadrinervatum (B.Boivin)
• Thalictrum fendleri var. wrightii ((A.Gray) Trel.)
• Thalictrum fendleri var. sinuosum (B.Boivin)
• Thalictrum wrightii (A.Gray)
• Thalictrum fendleri var. platycarpum (Trel.)

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Oregon (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Texas (native)
• Utah (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken May 16, 2019 by chris tan (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2020 by Sarah Beeler (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 19, 2014 by EOL − Lynn Watson, Santa Barbara (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 23, 2019 by Tabitha Holloway (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2015 by EOL − paloma (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 12, 2015 by EOL − faerthen (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 6, 2016 by EOL − steve-beatty (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 19, 2014 by EOL − Leslie Flint (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 19, 2014 by EOL − Donna Pomeroy (cc-by-nc)

Flower

Taken Apr 16, 2013 by EOL − snakeinmypocket (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Zylstra, J. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 15, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 23, 2019 by Tabitha Holloway (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2019 by Tabitha Holloway (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 12, 2001 by EOL − Steven Thorsted (cc-by-nc)

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

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3033120)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:714419-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Thalictrum fendleri Engelm. ex A. Gray)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth