Ruta graveolens - Rue officinale

Ruta graveolens - Rue officinale

€4,00
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Ruta graveolens - Rue officinale
  • Ruta graveolens - Rue officinale
  • Ruta graveolens - Rue officinale
  • Ruta graveolens - Rue officinale
  • Ruta graveolens - Rue officinale
Ruta graveolens - Rue officinale

Ruta graveolens - Rue officinale

€4,00
Organic
Sustainable
Locally grown

🪴Standard: 9x9 cm pot

🚂  Ships across EU

🌱 Grown without pesticides or UV lamps

Rue can cause severe phytophotodermatitis (seere blistering on the skin) in some people, though the reasons and function of it is currently unknown.
Flower Color: Yellow

Preferred Soil Type: Sandy

Sunlight: Full sun

Growth Habit: Upright

Saison de plantation: March to May

Origine: Balkans

Ruta graveolens is a highly fragrant perennial known for its bluish leaves and medicinal properties.

The leaves are oblong, blue green and have rounded leaflets - if you rub them gently, they release a strong fragrance.

The flowers are small and pale yellow, contrasting beautifully against the sea of grey foliage.

Learn more about Gardening with: Ruta Graveolens
pda389-9
Gardening Tips
The Botany

Floral Morphology

Ruta graveolens, commonly known as common rue or garden rue, is a Mediterranean evergreen perennial shrub with aromatic, bluish-green, finely divided leaves.

It produces small, fragrant yellow flowers arranged in cymes or panicles from late spring through summer, adding vibrant color to dry, sunny gardens.

The foliage is slightly pubescent and rough, helping reduce water loss and giving a soft silvery appearance under sunlight.

Reproductive Biology

The flowers are bisexual and promote cross-pollination, attracting bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial pollinators.

Seeds are contained in small capsules and disperse easily by wind or gravity, allowing rapid naturalization in dry, Mediterranean-like conditions.

Ecology & Adaptations

Native to the Mediterranean region, Ruta graveolens thrives in rocky, nutrient-poor, well-drained soils, and tolerates coastal winds and salt spray.

Other Names:

Common rue

Herb-of-grace
The Myth

Graveolens refers to the strong-smelling leaves.

🌿 Medicinal Uses of Ruta graveolens

The refined oil of rue (Ruta graveolens) is a traditional emmenagogue, a type of herb that stimulates blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus. It has been historically used to support menstrual health and help address certain hormonal imbalances.

🍹 Culinary & Beverage Uses

In the Mediterranean region, especially Istria, local grappa or ruki is gently flavored with rue, sometimes with a whole branch floating in the bottle. This gives a subtle herbal aroma and reflects traditional Mediterranean culinary uses of Ruta graveolens.

🐾 Animal Repellent

Most cats dislike the strong scent of rue, making it a natural deterrent for gardens or homes. This property is often used in organic pest management or pet-friendly gardening.

✨ Ritual & Cultural Significance

Jewish Traditions: During Yom Kippur, Sephardic synagogues sometimes distribute ruda (rue) to congregants, symbolizing protection from malevolent forces and revitalization during fasting.

Medieval Flower Bouquets: Rue has been collected with small flowers into nosegays, posies, or tussie-mussies, often wrapped in decorative doilies, a tradition dating back to medieval times.

🐉 Mythology

In folklore, the basilisk, a legendary creature whose breath could wilt plants and crack stones, had no effect on rue, highlighting its mythological reputation as a protective and resilient herb.

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