Ruta graveolens, Common Rue, Quart Pot

Ruta graveolens, Common Rue (Not a Native)

FS, Zone 4, Blooms June - July, may rebloom in late summer, 2-3’ x 2’, drought tolerant, deer resistant.

Common Rue originated in the southeastern portion of Europe and the Balkans. It is a small evergreen, somewhat of a woody shrub. It has delightful yellow flowers in early summer, which also bloom again in the fall. As the plant matures, the foliage turns a bluish gray. It’s a short-lived perennial that lasts around 4-5 years. It will grow in poor soils, but must be well-drained.

It is the host plant for the Black Swallowtail and Giant Swallowtail butterflies. Black Swallowtails lay their eggs on the new leaves, Giant Swallowtails lay their eggs on the yellow flowers. It also attracts many other pollinators.