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Ruta graveolens
  • Rue

a perennial woody evergreen member of the Ruta genus in the family Rutaceae.

248px
Niche
  • Soil surface
    Soil surface
    There are no details available for this niche.
Functions
  • Ground cover
    Ground cover
    There are no details available for this function.
Light
  • Full sun
    Full sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • light shade
    Light shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementsmoderate
    Moderate
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • acid,neutral,alkaline
    Acid to Alkaline
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Clay
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 5
    Zone 5
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Ruta graveolens has 0 edible uses listed
Ruta graveolens has 0 material uses listed
Ruta graveolens has 0 medicinal uses listed

Uses

Toxic parts

All parts of this plant are poisonous in large quantities[1]. It should not be used at all by pregnant women since it can induce abortions[2]. The sap contains furanocoumarins, sensitizing the skin to light and causing blistering or dermatitis in sensitive people[3].

Edible uses

Notes

Leaves - raw or used as a seasoning[4][5][1][6][7][8]. It is occasionally eaten in salads[9], but is strongly aromatic and slightly toxic, so should only be used in small quantities[5][1][10][11]. The taste is strong and bitter[12]. The leaves contain rutin, which has a beneficial effect upon the circulatory system[13]. Some caution is advised, see notes on toxicity above. The leaves can be brewed into a tea[11].

Unknown part

Condiment
Rutin
Tea

Leaves

Unknown use

Material uses

The growing or the dried plant can be used to repel insects, it is most useful when the plant is grown near roses and raspberries[9][14][15][16][10]. The dried herb can also be put in the linen cupboard to repel moths[14][15]. The growing plant is also said to repel cats[16].

A red dye is obtained from the plant[10]. An essential oil is obtained from the leaves and young shoots, it is used in perfumery and as a food flavouring[17]. The plant was formerly used as a strewing herb[10].

Plants can be grown for ground cover when planted about 45cm apart each way[18]. They can be trimmed back in spring to keep them bushy[18].

Unknown part

Dye
Essential
Repellent
Strewing

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Rue has a long history of use as a domestic remedy, being especially valued for its strengthening action on the eyes[9]. The plant contains flavonoids (notably rutin) that reduce capillary fragility, which might explain the plants reputation as an eye strengthener[12]. Some caution is advised in its use internally, however, since in large doses it is toxic and it can also cause miscarriages[9][5][12].

The whole herb is abortifacient, anthelmintic, antidote, antispasmodic, carminative, emetic, emmenagogue, expectorant, haemostatic, ophthalmic, rubefacient, strongly stimulant, mildly stomachic and uterotonic[9][5][6][2][13]. The tops of fresh shoots are the most active medicinally, they should be gathered before the plant flowers and can be used fresh or dried[9]. An infusion is used in the treatment of hysterical affections, coughs, flatulence etc[9]. The juice of the plant has been used in treating earaches and chewing a leaf or two is said to quickly bring relief from giddiness, nervous headaches, palpitations etc[9]. An alkaloid found in the plant is abortifacient, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic[13].

A homeopathic remedy is obtained from the fresh herb, harvested in early summer shortly before flowering begins[19]. This is used in the treatment of a variety of complaints including eye strain, headache and sprains[19].

Unknown part

Abortifacient
Anthelmintic
Antidote
Antiinflammatory
Antispasmodic
Carminative
Emetic
Emmenagogue
Expectorant
Haemostatic
Homeopathy
Ophthalmic
Rubefacient
Stimulant
Stomachic

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Soil surface

Ecological Functions

Ground cover

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[3], it can also be sown in early to mid spring in a cold frame[14][7]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

Cuttings of young shoots in late spring[20]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[3]. Very easy[K].

Layering in early summer. Old plants often self-layer[3].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Ruta graveolens. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Succeeds in any soil but is hardier in a poor dry soil[9][21][3]. Prefers an open sunny position[5][22]. Prefers a partially shaded sheltered dry position but succeeds in full sun[20][9][3]. Prefers a well-drained or rocky soil[3]. Likes some lime in the soil[23]. Established plants are drought tolerant[24].

Hardy to about -10°c, possibly to lower temperatures when it is grown in a dry soil[25]. Often cultivated as a culinary and medicinal herb, there are some named varieties[25]. The bruised leaves have a pleasant orange-like fragrance[26]. It is one of the most pleasant herbs to inhale[26]. Rue releases its scent in a remarkable way. The essential oil is contained in a cavity immediately beneath the surface of the leaf, above which is a thin layer of cells pierced by a cavity in the middle. The cells swell up and bend inwards, pressing on the essential oil beneath, which is driven to the surface of the leaf and there released[26]. Rue is a poor companion plant for many other species, growing badly with sage, cabbage and sweet basil[14][15][16][27]. It is a good companion for roses and raspberries[27].

Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[3].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Ruta graveolens. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Ruta graveolens.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Ruta graveolens
Genus
Ruta
Family
Rutaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
[4][5][1][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]
Medicinal uses
[9][12][5][6][2][13][19]
Material uses & Functions
[9][14][15][16][10][17][18]
Botanic
[23][8][3]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Ground cover
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
5
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil Water Retention
well drained
Environmental Tolerances
  • Drought
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
Soil surface
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
Life
Deciduous or Evergreen
evergreen
Herbaceous or Woody
woody
Life Cycle
perennial
Growth Rate
?
Mature Size
0.5 x 0.5 meters
Fertility
?
Pollinators
?
Flower Colour
?
Flower Type
hermaphrodite

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"image:Ruta graveolens10.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Ruta graveolens10.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


"image:Ruta graveolens10.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

"image:Ruta graveolens10.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

"image:Ruta graveolens10.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Ruta graveolens10.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Ruta graveolens10.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Ruta graveolens10.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Ruta graveolens10.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Ruta graveolens10.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Ruta graveolens10.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Ruta graveolens10.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki."image:Ruta graveolens10.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.






References

  1. ? 1.01.11.21.3 Stary. F. Poisonous Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-35666-3 (1983-00-00)
  2. ? 2.02.12.2 Mills. S. Y. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism. ()
  3. ? 3.03.13.23.33.43.53.63.73.8 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
  4. ? 4.04.1 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972-00-00)
  5. ? 5.05.15.25.35.45.55.6 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (1984-00-00)
  6. ? 6.06.16.26.3 Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books ISBN 0-553-23827-2 (1983-00-00)
  7. ? 7.07.17.2 Vilmorin. A. The Vegetable Garden. Ten Speed Press ISBN 0-89815-041-8 ()
  8. ? 8.08.18.2 Polunin. O. and Huxley. A. Flowers of the Mediterranean. Hogarth Press ISBN 0-7012-0784-1 (1987-00-00)
  9. ? 9.009.019.029.039.049.059.069.079.089.099.109.119.12 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
  10. ? 10.010.110.210.310.410.5 Niebuhr. A. D. Herbs of Greece. Herb Society of America. (1970-00-00)
  11. ? 11.011.111.2 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
  12. ? 12.012.112.212.312.4 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
  13. ? 13.013.113.213.313.4 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)
  14. ? 14.014.114.214.314.4 Holtom. J. and Hylton. W. Complete Guide to Herbs. Rodale Press ISBN 0-87857-262-7 (1979-00-00)
  15. ? 15.015.115.215.3 Philbrick H. and Gregg R. B. Companion Plants. Watkins (1979-00-00)
  16. ? 16.016.116.216.3 Riotte. L. Companion Planting for Successful Gardening. Garden Way, Vermont, USA. ISBN 0-88266-064-0 (1978-00-00)
  17. ? 17.017.1 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
  18. ? 18.018.118.2 Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons ISBN 0-460-12609-1 (1990-00-00)
  19. ? 19.019.119.2 Castro. M. The Complete Homeopathy Handbook. Macmillan. London. ISBN 0-333-55581-3 (1990-00-00)
  20. ? 20.020.1 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
  21. ? Thompson. B. The Gardener's Assistant. Blackie and Son. (1878-00-00)
  22. ? Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray ISBN 0-7195-5043-2 (1992-00-00)
  23. ? 23.023.1 Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981-00-00)
  24. ? Chatto. B. The Dry Garden. Dent ISBN 0460045512 (1982-00-00)
  25. ? 25.025.1 Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30936-9 (1991-00-00)
  26. ? 26.026.126.2 Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. ISBN 0-7090-5440-8 (1994-00-00)
  27. ? 27.027.1 Allardice.P. A - Z of Companion Planting. Cassell Publishers Ltd. ISBN 0-304-34324-2 (1993-00-00)

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Facts about "Ruta graveolens"RDF feed
Article is incompleteYes +
Article requires citationsNo +
Article requires cleanupYes +
Belongs to familyRutaceae +
Belongs to genusRuta +
Functions asGround cover +
Has common nameRue +
Has drought toleranceTolerant +
Has edible partUnknown part + and Leaves +
Has edible useSeasoning +, Unknown use +, Rutin + and Tea +
Has environmental toleranceDrought +
Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
Has hardiness zone5 +
Has imageRuta graveolens10.jpg +
Has lifecycle typePerennial +
Has material partUnknown part +
Has material useDye +, Essential +, Repellent + and Strewing +
Has mature height0.5 +
Has mature width0.5 +
Has medicinal partUnknown part +
Has medicinal useAbortifacient +, Anthelmintic +, Antidote +, Antiinflammatory +, Antispasmodic +, Carminative +, Emetic +, Emmenagogue +, Expectorant +, Haemostatic +, Homeopathy +, Ophthalmic +, Rubefacient +, Stimulant + and Stomachic +
Has primary imageRuta graveolens10.jpg +
Has search nameruta graveolens + and x +
Has shade toleranceLight shade +
Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral + and Alkaline +
Has soil teclayture preferenceClay +
Has soil teloamyture preferenceLoamy +
Has soil tesandyture preferenceSandy +
Has soil water retention preferenceWell drained +
Has sun preferenceFull sun +
Has taxonomy nameRuta graveolens +
Has water requirementsmoderate +
Inhabits ecosystem nicheSoil surface +
Is deciduous or evergreenEvergreen +
Is herbaceous or woodyWoody +
Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +