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