Thalictrum 'Elin' forming seed?

[Mattb]

I'm wondering does anyone find their Thalictrum 'Elin' forms seed? Mine here in Tasmania, Australia does.

I understand that 'Elin' is a hybrid cross between T. rochebrunianum and T. flavum subsp. glaucum and hybrids normally result in a sterile, or somewhat close to sterile, plant. However, I am surprised to read 'Elin' described as totally sterile.

FWIW I'm quite confident my plant is not simply T. rochebrunianum sold as 'Elin', as it has Elin's trademark very glaucous spring foliage with strikingly purple tips/new growth, and the heigh and girth of the stems is much greater than T. rochebrunianum.

[Carolyn]

Matt, have a look at dorsetperennials.co.uk. They say that Thalictrum ‘Anne’ (which I have in my garden) is a seedling of the supposedly sterile ‘Elin’. Perhaps it depends on climate, whether or not you get seeds? Your seeds would be worth sowing - you might get something special. I must say, having occasionally allowed some thalictrum to seed around a bit too much, I welcome the sterile hybrids!

[Mattb]

Thanks for the info, Carolyn. Glad I’m not going (entirely) crazy. I’ve saved some seed and will see what comes of it. I’m curious to know what you think of ‘Anne’? I’ve come across it before, but didn’t realise it was a seedling of ‘Elin’. I can’t find anywhere that describes how it is actually any different to ‘Elin’?

And T. aquilegiifolium is constantly throwing itself all over any patch of soil it can in my garden. If only the seed heads weren’t so lovely… and I was more organised. 😬

[Carolyn]

I’m not sure of the difference either. It’s certainly very tall with a strong stem which does not need staking - a handy feature, in windy Scotland!