Ruta graveolens aka Rue

Ruta graveolens, commonly known as rue, common rue or herb-of-grace, is a species of Ruta grown as an ornamental plant and herb. It is native to the Balkan Peninsula and southern Europe. This glabrous, glaucous, woody-based perennial grows in a mound to 2-3’ tall, with aromatic, fern-like, compound leaves that are pinnately divided into oblong/spatulate segments. The leaves have a pungent aroma when bruised and a bitter taste. In early summer, clusters of small, dull yellow flowers with 4-5 petals bloom above the foliage. The plant produces brown seed capsules as fruit. Its ornamental value lies in the delicate blue-green foliage. While rue has a long history of medicinal uses, concerns about effectiveness and safety discourage such uses today. It is important to note that the leaves are toxic if ingested and handling the plants may cause dermatitis. Additionally, rue is cultivated for its tolerance of hot and dry soil conditions and is sometimes used as a culinary herb, insect repellent, and incense.