Thalictrum aquilegiifolium
Record ID:66Naming |
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| Botanical Name: | Thalictrum aquilegiifolium |
| Common Names: | Greater Meadow Rue, French Meadow Rue |
| Key Name: | Columbine Meadow Rue |
| Parts Used: | Root, leaves, flowers |
| Sister Plants: | Thalictrum flavum, Thalictrum dioicum, Thalictrum minus |
| Comments: | Ornamental perennial with notable pollinator support; used in herbal traditions |
Characteristics |
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| Identifying Character: | Perennial herb (2-4 ft), erect stems, compound leaves resembling columbine, fluffy purple or white flower clusters |
| Stem: | Erect, green to purplish, slightly hairy |
| Leaves: | Compound, 6-12 inches, blue-green, columbine-like leaflets |
| Flowers: | Fluffy clusters of purple or white flowers, blooming June-July |
| Fruit: | Dry, achene-like seeds, 3-5 mm, ripening in late summer |
| Taste: | Bitter (root), mild (leaves) |
| Odour: | Subtle, earthy scent from flowers |
| Root: | Fibrous, deep root system; stabilizes soil |
| Image: |
Image URL: https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse2.mm.bing.net%2Fth%2Fid%2FOIP.W_JkirxM6Qs1RHCKrgziXwHaHa%3Fpid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=9c1cceeecce13714ff21602519b8e7c658097581ad2f7eebb5944299244363f7&ipo=images |
Distribution |
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| Distribution: | Europe, Asia, North America (temperate regions) |
| Cultivation: | Prefers moist, well-drained soil, partial shade; propagate by seed or division |
| Harvest: | Root: Fall; Flowers: Mid-summer; Leaves: Early summer |
Medical |
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| Therapeutic Action: | Astringent, diuretic, antispasmodic, febrifuge |
| Medical Uses: | Used for fever, spasms, urinary issues, and as an astringent; root for rheumatism |
| Constituents: | Alkaloids (e.g., thalmine), tannins, volatile oils |
| Solvents: | Water, alcohol (tincture), glycerin |
| Dosage: | Root tincture: 5-10 drops in water 2-3 times daily; Infusion: 1 tsp dried leaves in hot water |
| Administration: | Internal: Tincture or infusion; External: Poultice for wounds |
| Formulas: | Combine with yarrow for fever; with valerian for spasms |
| Contra Indications: | May cause toxicity due to alkaloids; avoid in pregnancy or with liver issues; consult healthcare provider |
| Preparation: | Tincture: Steep 1 part root in 5 parts alcohol for 2-4 weeks; Infusion: Steep 1 tsp leaves in hot water for 10 minutes |
| Chinese: | No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine |
| Veterinary: | Used for wound treatment or inflammation in livestock |
| Homeopathic: | No known homeopathic use documented |
Pollination and Pollinators |
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| Apis: | No |
| Pollinator: | 1 |
| Pollen: | Yes |
| Pollen Notes: | Wind-dispersed, visited by bees for pollen |
| Nectar: | Yes |
| Nectar Notes: | Attracts bees for nectar, supports pollinator health |
Other |
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| Non-Medical Uses: | Ornamental planting, dye from roots, wildlife habitat |
| Culinary Uses: | Not typically used in cuisine; leaves rarely consumed |
| History: | Used in European and Native American herbal traditions for centuries |
| Reference: | Plants For A Future; Native American Ethnobotany Database |
| URL: | https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Thalictrum+aquilegiifolium |
| Share: | Private |