Plant · P-619

Rue

Ruta graveolens

Rue is an evergreen subshrub grown for its chemistry rather than for food - a bitter herb used in trace amounts in Ethiopian cooking, medicinally for eyestrain, coughs and flatulence, but poisonous in any quantity and a strong abortifacient to avoid entirely in pregnancy. Its sap can sensitize skin to sunlight, so handling it on a hot bright day risks blistering, and it is best worked with gloves in the cooler morning or evening. Its strong scent repels insects, moths and cats, which is why it has long been planted beside roses and raspberries, and it also serves as a favored host plant for black and giant swallowtail caterpillars - drawing that pressure off parsley, dill, fennel and carrot, since it regrows readily after being stripped. It thrives on poor, dry, well-drained soil and full sun, needs no feeding, and is left alone by deer and rabbits.