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Fabaceae
Goat's Rue
Galega officinalis
Healing labor and patient gift.
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Genus
- Galega
- Native to
- Middle East, southern Europe
- Bloom season
- Summer
- Type
- herbaceous perennial
- Height
- 1–1.5 m
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil
- any well-drained
- Water
- medium
- Hardiness
- 4–8
- Lifespan
- long-lived perennial
Did you know
- The compound metformin, the world's most prescribed diabetes drug, was originally derived from this plant.
- Medieval farmers fed it to goats believing it boosted milk production — hence 'galega' from Greek 'gala' (milk).
- It is highly toxic to sheep and many other livestock despite its safety for goats and cattle in moderation.
- Its airy spikes of pea-like flowers are the source of every modern guanidine-class diabetes medication.
- It was officially listed as a noxious weed in many U.S. states by the early 1900s due to its escape.
Color meanings
Lavender
quiet wisdom
White
pure utility