The herb known as Rue, or Ruta graveolens, is a perennial shrub historically valued for its distinctive and potent aromatic properties. This woody plant features unique blue-green, fern-like foliage that releases a strong scent when bruised. For centuries, it has been cultivated in gardens for its ornamental appeal, traditional use in folk remedies, and as a flavor component in select cuisines.
Natural Habitat and Geographic Range
Rue is native to the Balkan Peninsula and the wider Mediterranean region. It grows wild on dry hillsides, rocky outcrops, and old stone walls. It has a high tolerance for drought and heat, preferring poor, well-drained, and often alkaline or calcareous soil types. The plant requires significant direct sunlight to thrive, though it can tolerate partial shade in hotter climates. While its native range is centered in Southern Europe, Rue has successfully naturalized across many temperate zones globally, including parts of the United States and Asia.
Commercial Sources for Plants and Herbs
The most direct way to acquire Rue is through commercial channels, which offer the plant in three primary forms: live plants, seeds, and dried material.
Live Plants
For those intending to cultivate the herb, the easiest starting point is often a specialized herb nursery or a garden center. These sources typically sell small, potted starts of Ruta graveolens, ready for transplanting directly into a garden or container.
Seeds
Rue seeds are widely available through online horticultural retailers and dedicated seed catalog companies. When purchasing, look for suppliers specializing in heirloom or traditional herbs to ensure authenticity. Seeds require specific preparation, such as light scarification, to encourage germination.
Dried Material
If the intent is to use the herb for traditional applications or infusions, dried Rue is available from apothecaries, specialty spice shops, and bulk herbal suppliers. Since Rue is not a common culinary herb, it is rarely found in conventional grocery stores. The dried leaves and stems are packaged for use in teas, tinctures, or for sachet purposes.
Successful Home Cultivation
Successful cultivation depends on replicating the dry, sunny conditions of its native habitat. Rue thrives best when planted in full sun, receiving at least six hours of direct light daily, which promotes dense, healthy foliage. The soil must be exceptionally well-draining; the plant prefers poor, gravelly, or sandy soil, as heavy, wet soil can quickly lead to root rot. When planting in the ground, amending dense clay with sand or grit ensures rapid water dispersal away from the roots.
Rue is also an excellent choice for container gardening, especially in large, unglazed clay pots. Since it is highly drought-tolerant once established, watering should be infrequent—only during extended dry spells—as overwatering is the most common cause of failure. Pruning in early spring encourages a bushier, more compact shape and prevents the plant from becoming too woody. Rue is a hardy perennial, surviving winters in USDA Zones 4 through 10. It requires minimal fertilization and thrives on neglect.
Essential Safety and Handling Precautions
While an attractive plant, Rue requires careful handling due to its phototoxic properties, caused by furanocoumarins present in its sap. Contact with the foliage, especially when the skin is moist, followed by exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation, can trigger a painful skin reaction called phytophotodermatitis. This reaction can manifest as severe blistering, inflammation, and persistent hyperpigmentation that may last for months.
It is strongly advised to wear protective clothing, including long sleeves and gloves, when pruning or harvesting the plant on a sunny day. If accidental skin contact occurs, immediately wash the area with soap and water to help remove the photosensitizing compounds. Internal consumption of Rue is strongly discouraged as it contains toxic compounds. Pregnant women must avoid all forms of the herb, as large doses have historically been associated with abortifacient properties.