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Rue is a woody, perennial shrub. Its leaves are oblong, blue green and arranged pinnate; they release a strong aroma when they are bruised.
The flowers are small with 4 to 5 dull yellow petals in clusters. They bear brown seed capsules when pollinated.
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Mature Height
36 Inches |
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Mature Width
24 Inches |
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Light
Half Sun |
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Water
Low |
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Uses
Rue is also grown as an ornamental plant, both as a low hedge and so the leaves can be used in nosegays.
Most cats dislike the smell of it, and it can, therefore, be used as a deterrent to them (see also Plectranthus caninus).
Caterpillars of some subspecies of the butterfly Papilio machaon feed on rue, as well as other plants. The caterpillars of Papilio xuthus also feed readily on it.
Hasidic Jews also were taught that rue should be placed into amulets to protect them from epidemics and plagues. Other Hasidim rely on the works of a famous Baghdadi Kabbalist Yaakov Chaim Sofer who makes mention of the plant "ruda" as an effective device against both black magic and the evil eye.
It finds many household uses around the world as well. It is traditionally used in Central Asia as an insect repellent and room deodorizer.
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