Thalictrum flavum L.

Root and Leaf Characteristics

Thalictrum flavum L. has fibrous roots and wedge-shaped dark green leaves that are paler green on the underside and divided into multiple segments.

Flowering Period

It blooms from June to August.

Flower Morphology

Its flowers have short sepals that are actually white, plus longer erect yellow stamens; the numerous stamens give the entire flower a yellow appearance.

Fruit Production

After flowering, each flower head produces three fruits.

Native Distribution

This species is very widespread, native to temperate regions of Asia, Northern Africa, and Europe.

North African Distribution

In Northern Africa, it occurs in Algeria.

European Distribution

In Europe, it is found across Eastern Europe (Belarus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine), Middle Europe (Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Switzerland), northern Europe (Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom), southeastern Europe (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia), and southwestern Europe (France and Spain).

Asian Distribution

In Asia, it occurs in the Caucasus (Azerbaijan and Georgia), the Russian Federation (Amur and Primorye), China (Xinjiang), Kazakhstan, Siberia, and Turkey.

Naturalized Range

It has naturalized in the United Kingdom, where it grows in southern and western England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Habitat Preferences

Its typical habitat includes grasslands, marshy fields, fens, and riverbanks.

Pollination and Seed Dispersal

It is pollinated mainly by flies and bees, and its seeds are dispersed by wind.

Associated Fauna

Larvae of the Marsh Carpet moth (Perizoma sagittata) live on this plant, feeding on its seeds and flowers.

Traditional Uses

In UK folk medicine, the plant’s foliage has been used as a purgative.