Dainty, blue tinted leaves and yellow flowers adorn the beautiful herb rue, renowned through the ages for its medicinal power. Native to the Balkan Peninsula, rue has been used in the Mediterranean dating back to Ancient Rome, where Pliny the Elder included it in a recipe for snakebite antidote. The Tacuinum Sanitatis, the famous eleventh century Islamic medical treatise, lists rue to sharpen eyesight and reduce flatulence. Known as the “herb of grace,” rue is used to sprinkle holy water in the Catholic Church. In Hispanic cultures, rue is hung over doorways for protection and attracting good luck.
Growth Form: Soft, bushy herb that grows up to 3 ft tall
Light: Full sun to part shade
Water: Drought tolerant once established
Soil: Well-drained or sandy soil
Hardiness: USDA zones 4-9
Type: Perennial