Description
Ruta – Rue –
There are about 8-40 species of deciduous or evergreen shrub, subshrubs and woody based herbaceous perennials, in the Rutaceae family in this genus. They occur in dry, rocky habitats, in temperate Eurasia. They are grown for their strongly aromatic leaves and flowers. The grayish, blue-green leaves are alternate, occasionally opposite, broadly ovate to rounded, and deeply divided to pinnate. The unusual, 4 or 5 petaled, fringed or toothed yellow flowers are borne in terminal cymes in summer followed by insignificant greenish seed heads. Rue is suitable for a mixed or herbaceous border, or in a large rock garden or herb garden. Foliage is sometimes used medicinally or very sparingly as a culinary flavoring. It has a long history in Europe, where it was once used as an anti-plague herb. All parts of rue may cause severe discomfort if ingested, the foliage may cause severe irritating rash.
Grow in moderately fertile, very well drained, slightly alkaline soil in full sun or partial shade, protect from strong wind. Rue will thrive in a hot, dry site. Trim after flowering to encourage compact growth. Divide in spring.
Prone to Phytopthora root rot.
R.graveolens – Common Rue – Herb of Grace – This rounded to erect, evergreen shrub or sub shrub from Southeastern Europe grows 2-3′ feet tall and 30″ wide. It produces alternate, lance to rounded, 2 pinnatisect, aromatic, gray green leaves, to 6″ long, with numerous obovate lobes and wavy edges. In summer it bears cymes of cup shaped, 4 petaled, yellow-green flowers, to 3/4″ across.
Zones 5-9
