Meadow rue
Thalictrum delavayi
Also called Chinese meadow rue and Thalictrum
Garden plant · PerennialsThe flowers have no petals — what you see is coloured sepals and a puff of stamens, which is why they look like they are made of smoke. RHS says the foliage irritates skin.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Medium
- Water
- Every 5 daysWater the ground — water at the base, in the morning, not over the leaves.
- Light
- Partial shade, in moist humus-rich soil
- Feed
- Every 45 days
- Humidity
- Average
- Hardiness
- Very hardy RHS H7, to -25°C
- Size
- 1.25 m tall · 0.3 m across
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Origin
- Western China
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsNothing recorded against it
No animal-poison authority lists this plant either way.
PeopleIrritates skin
HandlingTake care handling it
RHS says contact with the foliage may irritate skin, and to wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling it.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-09-11.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.