
Light Needs

Mature Height

Mature Spread

Growing Zones
If deer are a problem in your garden, then the deer-resistant Early Meadow-Rue may just be your saving grace. Botanically named Thalictrum dioicum, this perennial displays subtle and graceful flowers on top of its delicate, green foliage in late spring. As a compact plant with a clump-forming habit, it is ideally suited to growing in a border or as part of a cottage garden scheme. Happiest in partial or dappled shade, this plant can be a good choice for a tricky shaded spot.
Native to North America, this plant is known to attract butterflies and thankfully not deer. A low-maintenance plant, it is often used for wildflower meadows and woodland areas where it looks stunning when planted in drifts. Early Meadow-Rue is tolerant of most soils just as long as it is not planted in full sun. A great perennial plant that provides elegant foliage and texture to the garden and can self-seed in the right conditions.
Early Meadow-Rue Care
Early Meadow-Rue likes to be grown in a fertile soil that is moist and well drained. It can tolerate full sun, but tends to thrive in partial shade. This plant needs to be watered often until it has established and during any dry spells that follow. Fertilizing Early Meadow-Rue is generally not required unless it is grown on poor soil. However, an annual mulch of organic matter or leaf mold in spring will give it a boost and help reduce any moisture loss.
Early Meadow-Rue generally requires little pruning, as the foliage dies back in fall to reappear again in spring. However, any untidy or disheveled-looking foliage can be removed at the base with a pair of sanitized and sharp scissors.
Early Meadow-Rue Spacing
Depending on the growing conditions, Early Meadow-Rue grows to 12-24 inches high and wide. If growing this perennial en masse, plants can be spaced at a distance of around 18 inches apart.
Early Meadow-Rue Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 8 |
Plant Type: Perennial |
Light Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun (3+ Hours Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 12 - 24 Inches |
Mature Spread: 12 - 24 Inches |
Spacing: 12 - 24 Inches |
Habit: Mounded |
Flower Color(s): Yellow |
Flower Description: N/A |
Bloom Period: N/A |
Foliage Type: Herbaceous |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: N/A |
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer |
Tolerates: N/A |
Attracts: Butterflies |
Container Role: N/A |
Uses: Borders |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Native to North America |
Brand: American Beauties Native Plants |
Common Name: Early Meadow-Rue |
Other Name(s): Early Meadow-Rue |
Scientific Name: Thalictrum dioicum |
- SKU:
- 1231012900-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts

2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts

#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts

#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons

#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons

#5 Pot
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons

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Pre-Ordered Plants
Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated Spring Shipping Schedule
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 24th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants Shipping Now
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.