Thalictrum foliolosum aka Asian Meadow Rue

Thalictrum foliolosum belongs to the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. It is a perennial, so it lives for several years. Its home range spans northern Pakistan, northern India, and China. Plants For A Future also lists Bhutan, Nepal, and Myanmar. Chinese records name Sichuan, Yunnan, and southern Tibet. It grows in woods and scrub in this mountain region. Records place it about 4,265–11,155 feet [1,300–3,400 metres] above sea level. Kew calls its climate temperate, meaning neither hot nor cold.

Plants For A Future gives its height as 8.2 feet [2.5 metres]. The sources do not state its full-grown width. They give no detailed account of this species' leaves. Flower colour and fruit form are also unclear. Each flower has both male and female organs. Both wind and insects carry the plant's pollen. The sources do not say when it blooms. Its bloom dates thus remain unknown.

This plant needs moist soil that drains off excess water. Plants For A Future lists sand, loam, and clay. Soil may be slightly acid, neutral, or slightly alkaline. The species profile lists full sun and part shade. It suggests sites at the edge of woods. Places with patchy shade are also on its list. The source is unsure if it withstands British winters. Its authors think its home range suggests it might survive outdoors. They give no tested hardiness zone for garden use.

Plants For A Future says to sow fresh seed in autumn. It suggests using a cold frame for this task. Move each seedling to its own pot when large enough to handle. The source also allows spring sowing in an outdoor seedbed. Move those plants to their final site the next spring. You can also split plants in spring or autumn. Plant large clumps straight into their final sites. Grow small clumps under cover in light shade until they take hold.

Plants For A Future lists no known food uses. It notes past uses of roots to treat fever. These uses also include gut problems and inflamed eyes. People have used them for toothache and haemorrhoids too. Records also note their use to regain health after illness. People have put leaf juice on boils and pimples. These records of medicinal use do not prove safe treatment. The source found no reports that this species is toxic. It still urges care, as many of its relatives contain poisons. This does not mean the plant is safe to eat. It lists no other uses and flags no weed risk.