Thalictrum flavum subsp. glaucum Flower (30/06/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering period: Summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 1.5m
Eventual Spread: 90cm
Hardiness: 6a – 9b
Family: Ranunculaceae
Thalictrum flavum subsp. glaucum is a clump forming, upright evergreen herbaceous perennial. Its grey/ green leaves are compound, odd or even pinnate. Its yellow flowers are fluffy in appearance and appear in large panicles.
Thalictrum flavum subsp. glaucum, commonly known as Glaucous-leaved Yellow Meadow Rue, Yellow Meadow Rue or Dust Meadow Rue, is native to south west Europe and north west Africa. Thalictrum flavum subsp. glaucum is synonymous with Thalictrum speciosissimum.
Thalictrum flavum subsp. glaucum (30/06/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
The etymological root of the binomial name Thalictrum is derived from the Greek thaliktron, a name used by Dioscorides for another pant. Flavum is from the Latin meaning ‘yellow’, in reference to the color of the flowers. Glaucum is from the Latin meaning ‘blue/ grey’.
The landscape architect may find Thalictrum flavum subsp. glaucum useful in woodland gardens planting schemes. Its foliage is not attractive to deer and rabbits.
Ecologically, T. flavum subsp. glaucum is attractive to pollinating insects.
The Royal Horticultural Society has given T. flavum subsp. glaucum their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
T. flavum subsp. glaucum prefers moist, humus rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Thalictrum flavum subsp. glaucum requires little maintenance. To keep a tidy appearance stems may be cut after flowering.