Rue is a perennial, hardy evergreen herb, that grows to 2 feet. Common Rue is also known as Herb-of-grace. The botanical name is Ruta graveolens. Rue is sometimes grown as an ornamental plant in gardens especially because of its bluish leaves, and also sometimes for its tolerance of hot and dry soil conditions. Rue is widely used in butterfly gardens as a larval plant. It also is grown as both a medicinal herb and as a condiment. Rue is a valuable butterfly garden plant. It is a larval plant for the Giant Swallowtail Butterfly. There are two types of plants used in the butterfly garden; nectar and larval plants. Nectar plants usually have showy flowers, bright colors and may be fragrant. The nectar plants provide a food source for the butterfly. Larval plants are those plants on which the butterflies lay their eggs. After hatching, the young caterpillar begins to eat the leaves of the plants. If you do not feed the caterpillars, they cannot grow and change into butterflys. Rue is also an attractive "ever bluish green" shrub, and a standout in the herb garden and is often included in herb gardens just for its historical interest. Rue thrives in poor sandy soils, and hot, dry sites and grows best in full sun. Rue can be shaped into a rounded mass and used in borders and beds, where it goes well with light colored flowers. The leaves can be used in nosegays. Rue has a large and varied chemical composition. In all parts of the plant over 110 chemicals have been found, including flavanoids, alkaloids, essential oils and many others. Rue has been used as an "anti-magic" herb for centuries. It was considered a reliable defense against witches. The rue leaf was the model for the suit of clubs in playing cards. Most cats dislike the smell of it and therefore it can be used as a deterrent to them. This plant is in a 2.5 inch pot. Plants are shipped USPS Priority Mail.Continental United States only.
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Herb Plants 
