Thalictrum aquilegiifolium

Perennial of the Ranunculaceae family, widespread from central and southern Europe to temperate Asia. It occupies high-altitude tall herb communities, moist forest edges, stream banks, and cool meadows, often between 800 and 2,000 meters.

It forms large upright clumps from 60 to 120 cm, bearing dissected, glaucous foliage, with rounded and lobed leaflets that very faithfully resemble those of columbines, hence the species name.

The flowers lack petals; it is the stamens, long and numerous, lilac pink to pale mauve, that constitute the entire ornament of the plant. They gather in large corymbose panicles, forming fluffy and airy clouds with a very particular effect.

In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from June to July. In cultivation, it generally occurs in May-June depending on altitude and exposure.

It thrives in fresh, humus-rich soil, in partial shade or gentle sun. It does not tolerate prolonged summer drought. Once well established, it readily self-seeds.