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Galega officinalis
  • Goat's Rue

a perennial member of the Galega genus in the family Leguminosae.

248px
Niche
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    The ecosystem niches for this plant are unknown. Do you know them? Click the edit button to add them!
Functions
  • Green manure
    Green manure
    There are no details available for this function.
  • Nitrogen fixer
    Nitrogen fixer
    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
    Unknown
    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
  • 4
    Zone 4
    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
Galega officinalis has 0 edible uses listed
Galega officinalis has 0 material uses listed
Galega officinalis has 0 medicinal uses listed

Uses

Toxic parts

A few reports exist, none of them in Britain, of toxicity to mammals[1], though the plant is often fed to cows and goats in order to increase their milk yield[2].

Edible uses

Notes

Leaves - cooked[3]. Used like spinach[4][5]. Some caution is advised due to reports of possible toxicity. The herb is used as a substitute for rennet in curdling plant milks etc[5].

Unknown part

Curdling agent

Leaves

Unknown use

Material uses

A fast-growing plant, it makes a good green manure crop, enriching the soil with organic matter and also fixing atmospheric nitrogen[6]. The plant is used cosmetically in hand and foot bathes[6].

Unknown part

Cosmetic

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Goat's rue was once important in the treatment of plague, fevers and infectious diseases[2]. It is still used in modern herbalism, though mainly for its effect in promoting milk-flow in lactating mothers (it has been shown to increase the flow of milk in cows and goats by 35 - 50%[7][6][2]) and for its positive effect on the digestive system[2]. The plant contains galegine, an alkaloid that strongly reduces blood sugar levels which make it useful in the treatment of diabetes[8]. The leaves and flowering tops are diaphoretic, diuretic, galactogogue and hypoglycaemic[7][6][9][10]. It has also been used in the treatment of fevers[7][6]. It is taken internally to treat insufficient lactation, late-onset diabetes, pancreatitis and digestive problems, especially chronic constipation caused by a lack of digestive enzymes[2]. The plant is harvested as it is just coming into flower and is dried for later use[7]. Some caution is advised, see notes above on toxicity.

Unknown part

Diaphoretic
Diuretic
Galactogogue
Hypoglycaemic

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Green manure


Nitrogen fixer

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - pre-soak for 12 hours in warm water and then sow the seed in spring or autumn in a cold frame[11][12]. Spring-sown seed can be slow to germinate, a period of cold stratification may improve the germination time. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer.

If you have sufficient seed, then it is possible to sow outdoors in situ in mid to late spring.

Division in spring or autumn[11]. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

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



Cultivation

Succeeds in most soils but repays generous treatment[13][12]. Prefers full sun and a deep moist soil[13][7] but it also succeeds in light shade[12]. Grows well even in poor soils[14]. Plants are very tolerant of neglect and can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut annually in the autumn[14][2].

A long-lived plant[13], it can be invasive in good growing conditions[12].

This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[12].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Galega officinalis. 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 Galega officinalis.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Galega officinalis
Genus
Galega
Family
Leguminosae
Imported References
Edible uses
[3][4][5]
Medicinal uses
[2][7][6][8][9][10]
Material uses & Functions
[6]
Botanic
[15][12]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Green manure, Nitrogen fixer
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
4
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    perennial
    Growth Rate
    vigorous
    Mature Size
    1.2 x 0.75 meters
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    Insects
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type
    hermaphrodite

    "image:Illustration Galega officinalis0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Illustration Galega officinalis0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Illustration Galega officinalis0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Illustration Galega officinalis0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Illustration Galega officinalis0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:Illustration Galega officinalis0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Illustration Galega officinalis0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Illustration Galega officinalis0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Illustration Galega officinalis0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Illustration Galega officinalis0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Illustration Galega officinalis0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Illustration Galega officinalis0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Illustration Galega officinalis0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Illustration Galega officinalis0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.






    References

    1. ? Cooper. M. and Johnson. A. Poisonous Plants in Britain and their Effects on Animals and Man. HMSO ISBN 0112425291 (1984-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.12.22.32.42.52.6 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.1 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.1 Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books ISBN 3874292169 (1984-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.2 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.16.26.36.46.56.6 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (1984-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.17.27.37.47.5 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.1 Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London ISBN 9-780751-303148 (1996-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.1 Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books ISBN 0-553-23827-2 (1983-00-00)
    10. ? 10.010.1 Mills. S. Y. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism. ()
    11. ? 11.011.1 Sanders. T. W. Popular Hardy Perennials. Collingridge (1926-00-00)
    12. ? 12.012.112.212.312.412.5 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    13. ? 13.013.113.2 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    14. ? 14.014.1 Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)
    15. ? Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named PFAFimport-17

    Cite error: <ref> tag with name "PFAFimport-187" defined in <references> is not used in prior text.

    "image:Illustration Galega officinalis0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    Retrieved from "https://practicalplants.org/w/index.php?title=Galega_officinalis&oldid=77411"
    Facts about "Galega officinalis"RDF feed
    Article is incompleteYes +
    Article requires citationsNo +
    Article requires cleanupYes +
    Belongs to familyLeguminosae +
    Belongs to genusGalega +
    Functions asGreen manure + and Nitrogen fixer +
    Has binomial nameGalega officinalis +
    Has common nameGoat's Rue +
    Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
    Has edible partUnknown part + and Leaves +
    Has edible useCurdling agent + and Unknown use +
    Has fertility typeInsects +
    Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
    Has growth rateVigorous +
    Has hardiness zone4 +
    Has imageIllustration Galega officinalis0.jpg +
    Has lifecycle typePerennial +
    Has material partUnknown part +
    Has material useCosmetic +
    Has mature height1.2 +
    Has mature width0.75 +
    Has medicinal partUnknown part +
    Has medicinal useDiaphoretic +, Diuretic +, Galactogogue + and Hypoglycaemic +
    Has primary imageIllustration Galega officinalis0.jpg +
    Has search namegalega officinalis + and goat's rue +
    Has shade toleranceLight shade +
    Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral + and Alkaline +
    Has soil texture preferenceSandy +, Loamy + and Clay +
    Has sun preferenceFull sun +
    Has taxonomic rankSpecies +
    Has taxonomy nameGalega officinalis +
    Has water requirementsmoderate +
    Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
    PFAF cultivation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF edible use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF material use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF medicinal use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF propagation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF toxicity notes migratedNo +
    Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
    Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +
    Has subobjectThis property is a special property in this wiki.Galega officinalis +, Galega officinalis +, Galega officinalis +, Galega officinalis +, Galega officinalis +, Galega officinalis + and Galega officinalis +