Trautvetteria caroliniensis aka Tassel Rue

Trautvetteria caroliniensis is known as false bugbane. This perennial lives for more than one year. It belongs to Ranunculaceae, the buttercup family. Its native range runs from southwestern Pennsylvania to northern Georgia. It grows in damp mountain woods, ravines, and along streams. Its range takes in Kentucky and Tennessee too. Small, scattered groups grow farther west, in Illinois and Missouri. Those in Indiana may no longer survive. In Missouri, it grows in cracks on north-facing limestone bluffs. These shaded sites lie along rivers in Shannon County.

This stout plant has stems that branch. It also has rhizomes, stems that grow below ground. It grows 2–4 feet [0.61–1.22 metres] tall. Its mature spread can reach 4 feet [1.22 metres]. The leaves have a deeply split, palmate shape. Their lobes spread like fingers from a palm. Each leaf has five to eleven lobes with sharp teeth. Rhizomes let it spread past its first planting spot. It can also seed itself when growing conditions suit it. Both ways of spreading can form groups called colonies. Leave room for this growth when you choose a site.

Grow false bugbane in rich soil with plenty of organic matter. Keep the soil moist to wet, but let it drain well. Do not let the soil dry out. Part shade suits it best, with sun patches through trees. It also copes with full shade and heavy shade. Dry sites do not meet its need for moist soil. Its listed hardiness range is USDA zones 5–8. Divide plants in spring, or grow new plants from seed. The evidence supports both ways to grow more plants.

The flowers have a scent and make a showy display. False bugbane suits gardens with woods, shade, or native plants. It also fits borders where soil holds enough moisture. Pond edges and damp low spots offer other sites. Use it in naturalized areas with room for colonies to grow. Its wet-soil tolerance makes it useful in damp gardens. The garden source says it also copes with erosion.

Missouri Botanical Garden says this plant needs little upkeep. It reports no serious problems with insects or disease. Even so, keep the soil moist as part of its care. The supplied species evidence gives no dates for flowers. It gives no fruit details, either. It offers no basis to judge whether this plant is safe to eat or toxic.