Common Rue
Ruta graveolens
- Native to:
- Albania, Bulgaria, Krym, NW. Balkan Pen., Türkiye-in-Europe
Kurt Stüber [1] (www.kurtstueber.de)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Rutaceae
- Genus:
- Ruta
- Species:
- Ruta graveolens
- USDA Symbol:
- RUGR3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Subshrub
- Height:
- 90 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Anise Swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon), Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes), Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Butterflies:Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes), Eastern Giant (Heraclides cresphontes), Eastern/Western Giant (Heraclides rumiko)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, rocky or sandy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to rocky, limestone-rich areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–42 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate best with light exposure and temperatures around 68-70°F. Germination can be erratic.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months. Requires darkness.