Thalictrum minus L.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

Thalictrum minus L., commonly called lesser meadow-rue, is a perennial herb species belonging to the buttercup family Ranunculaceae.

Native Distribution

This species is native to Europe, Northwest Africa, Yemen, Ethiopia, South Africa, Southwest Asia, and Siberia.

Habitat Types

It inhabits sand dunes, shingle areas, coastal rocks, calcareous grassland, cliffs, and rocky gullies.

Elevation Range

At southern latitudes, it grows at elevations ranging from 1,600 to 3,000 m (5,200 to 9,800 ft).

Stem and Height

Mature plants reach 30 cm (0.98 ft) in height, and have erect stems.

Leaf Structure

Their leaves measure around 1 cm (0.39 in) and are highly subdivided, arranged in 3-4 ternate to pinnate structures.

Chemical Composition

Thalictrum minus contains the alkaloid Thalidasine, a compound also found in many other Thalictrum species.