All flowers
Goat's Rue Wikimedia Commons
Fabaceae

Goat's Rue

Galega officinalis

Healing and nourishment.

Family
Fabaceae
Genus
Galega
Native to
Southern Europe, Western Asia
Bloom season
Summer
Type
Perennial
Height
60-150 cm
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade
Soil
Moist, well-draining
Water
Moderate
Hardiness
3-7
Lifespan
Perennial

Did you know

  • This plant led to the discovery of metformin, now the world's most widely prescribed diabetes medication.
  • It contains guanidine compounds that lower blood sugar, which was noted in medieval herbal medicine.
  • The name 'Goat's Rue' comes from the belief that it increased milk production in goats.
  • In the United States, it is classified as a noxious weed in several states due to its invasive nature.
  • As a legume, it fixes nitrogen in the soil through a symbiotic relationship with rhizobia bacteria.

Color meanings

0

Reason

1

Health

2

Pastoral beauty

Uses

  • Traditional medicine
  • Nitrogen fixation
  • Ornamental borders
  • Historical herbal remedy