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Rutaceae
Ruta graveolens
Common Rue
Though technically considered an herb, rue has toxicity issues that render it strictly an ornamental garden plant rather than a utilitarian one. Originating from southern Europe and Southwest Asia, it is an evergreen subshrub that thrives in hot, dry climates. Mature specimens are bushy and have attractive, feathery, blue-green leaves. Historically, its bitter leaves were used to in Mediterranean cooking and to treat various ailments, but it is now known to be dangerous to ingest.
The small, waxy, green to blue-green leaves of rue are feathery and compound. They have strong-smelling surface oils that repel insects and can be irritating to the skin. In early or midsummer, clusters of yellow-green flowers are produced. These are marginally showy and attract bees.
Full sun is needed for bushy growth and best appearance. Established plants are resilient to hot, dry weather. Soil should be well-drained with average to poor fertility. The stems of older specimens become woody and can be pruned back to keep plants smaller and bushier. Always wear protective gloves when handling rue and wash any skin exposed to the leaves or stems. The leaves of rue are phytophototoxic, meaning sun exposure worsens the effects of rue oil on the skin.
Rue is a lovely plant for hot, sunny gardens and makes a classic addition to herb gardens. It looks beautiful when planted in contrast with golden-leaved ornamentals, like Salvia elegans 'Golden Delicious.' Dwarf cultivars are available and better suited to small garden spaces.
9 - 1
5 - 9
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Herb
Full Sun, Partial Sun
2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m
1'-2' / 0.3m - 0.6m
Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer
Europe, Mediterranean, Western Asia
Neutral, Alkaline
Well Drained
Loam, Sand
Medium
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
Oval/Rounded
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Showy
Yellow, Yellow Green
Light Green, Blue Green, Gray Green
Yes
No
Single
Fine
Matte
Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
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