ExplorePlants

rues

Ruta

Rue is a special plant with bright green leaves and tiny yellow flowers. It has a strong smell and has been used for many years in gardens and medicine.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The rues has striking blue-green, feathery leaves that grow in clusters. Its small, yellow-green flowers bloom atop its stems, creating a distinct, bushy appearance different from many common garden plants.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderSapindalesFamilyRutaceaeGenusRuta
rues
aromatic trait badgeflowering trait badgebiennial trait badgeshrub trait badge
rues

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Ancient Romans thought rue could protect them from bad magic and sickness!

Its unique scent was once believed to improve eyesight and memory.

Swallowtail butterfly caterpillars sometimes munch on rue leaves for food!

The word 'rue' comes from a Greek word, meaning 'to be free'!

Special abilities

Ability

Sun-Powered Defense

Rues contains special oils that, when touched and exposed to sunlight, can irritate skin, protecting it from hungry animals.

Ability

Aromatic Shield

Rues has a very strong, distinctive scent that acts as a natural deterrent, keeping many pests and animals from eating its leaves.

Ability

Drought Survivor

Rues can thrive in dry, rocky soils because its tough roots help it efficiently find and store precious water in harsh conditions.

Measurements & details

Height
20-100 cm
Spread
30-60 cm
Flower Size
1-2 cm
Bloom Season
Summer to early fall
Edible
No
Toxicity
Moderate
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

depends on

Old World Swallowtail butterfly

Papilio machaon

Its larvae feed on rue leaves.

pollinates

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Collects nectar and pollen from its flowers.

Traits

Also known as

Common RueHerb of Grace

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Be careful not to touch rue too much, as it can irritate your skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is rues?

20-100 cm

How wide does rues spread?

30-60 cm

How big are the flowers on rues?

1-2 cm

When does rues bloom?

Summer to early fall

Is rues edible?

No

Is rues toxic?

Moderate

What is rues's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is rues pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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