Thalictrum aquilegiifolium is one of those plants that invites a second look at nearly every stage. The blue-green foliage is genuinely columbine-like in its compound lobed structure, and the resemblance to maidenhair fern has led to further confusion in nurseries and gardens alike. At 2 to 3 feet, it is refined in scale, and in late spring the delicate pink flowers appear in fluffy, rounded clusters that seem to float above the foliage. After blooming, the flowers give way to ornamental clusters of small winged seeds that catch light and extend the plant's season of interest well into summer. Native from Europe to central Asia, it has a long history in cultivation and adapts readily to garden conditions.

Grow it in average, medium-moisture, well-drained soil with full sun to part shade, though it performs best in rich, highly organic soil with dappled afternoon light. The plant dislikes the heat and humidity of the deep South, and afternoon shade becomes less optional than required in those climates. Sow seed fresh in fall directly in soil. Division as new growth emerges in spring is equally reliable. Both deer and rabbits tend to leave it alone, which is a practical advantage in gardens where grazing pressure is consistent. A meadow planting or naturalized woodland edge suits it particularly well, where it can self-sow quietly and establish over time.