Thalictrum occidentale A.Gray

Nomenclature

Thalictrum occidentale A.Gray, commonly known as western meadow-rue, is a species of flowering plant in the buttercup family.

Distribution Range

It is native to northwestern North America, ranging from Alaska and western Canada south to northern California and east to Wyoming and Colorado.

Habitat

It grows in both shady habitats like forest understory and more open, moist habitats such as meadows.

Growth Form

This plant is a hairless to lightly hairy, glandular perennial herb that grows erect, reaching a maximum height of around one meter.

Leaf Structure

Its leaves have compound blades divided into a few or many segments, which often bear three lobes, and grow on long, slender petioles.

Inflorescence Structure

The inflorescence is an upright or arching panicle of flowers, with leaflike, lobed bracts often growing at its base.

Reproductive Biology

The species is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate plants, and it is wind pollinated.

Male Flower Structure

Male flowers have a bell-shaped calyx made of four sepals that are greenish white or purple in color.

Male Flower Stamens

Many long purple stamens tipped with large anthers dangle from this calyx.

Female Flower Structure

Female flowers hold a cluster of immature fruits tipped with purple styles.

Fruit Cluster Size

Each cluster contains 4 to 9 fruits, and occasionally can hold up to 14 fruits.