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Rutaceae
Common Rue
Ruta graveolens
Protection and purification.
- Family
- Rutaceae
- Genus
- Ruta
- Native to
- Southern Europe, Mediterranean region
- Bloom season
- Summer
- Type
- perennial
- Height
- 18-30 in
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil
- well-drained, poor to average, alkaline
- Water
- low
- Hardiness
- 4-9
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- In Lithuania, rue is the national herb and is woven into bridal crowns as a symbol of virginity and maidenhood.
- It was a key ingredient in the 'Vinegar of the Four Thieves,' a medieval antiseptic believed to protect against plague.
- The blue-green foliage is highly aromatic and was once strewn on floors to repel fleas and other insects.
- Catholic priests used branches of rue to sprinkle holy water before Mass, earning it the name 'herb of grace.'
- It is the host plant for the giant swallowtail butterfly, one of the largest butterflies in North America.
Color meanings
0
protection
1
purification
2
repentance