The delicate, pinkish blossoms of rue anemone (Thalictrum thalictroides) are among the earliest woodland flowers to appear in spring. Found on wooded slopes and ridges in nature, this member of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) can be found in the SBG’s Woodland garden. It’s one of several spring ephemerals that relies on ants for seed dispersal (myrmecochory).In addition to its fleeting beauty, rue anemone has an interesting seed dispersal story, known as myrmecochory.
Ants gather the seeds and store them in underground nests, feeding on the fleshy appendage (elaiosome) attached to each seed. The elaiosomes are nutritional powerhouses, rich in fats and sugars, so the ants are highly motivated to take the trouble of transporting them back to the nest. After dinner, the remains are disposed of in the ants’ waste tunnels, which are filled with rich organic matter–the perfect fertilizer for new plants. In this way, the ants essentially ‘plant’ the seeds in an environment where they’ll be protected until they germinate the following spring.
A true ephemeral, it will set seed soon and go dormant until next year, so enjoy it while it lasts!
