Try for Free
tab list
PictureThis
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
PictureThis
Search
Search Plants
Try for Free
Global
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
This page looks better in the app
picturethis icon
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Continue Reading
Rue

How to identify Rue (Ruta graveolens)

Rue, also known as Herb-of-grace

Rue stands as a compact, evergreen subshrub, reaching heights and widths of approximately 2-3 feet (60-90 cm). Its foliage is notably fern-like and aromatic, providing a textured green appearance throughout the year. With maturity, rue exhibits a woody structure. The leaves remain evergreen in areas with milder winters, contributing to the plant's perennial nature.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Rue

1

Compact, evergreen subshrub reaching 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) in height and width.

2

Distinctive fern-like, aromatic leaves with soft blue-green color and gland dots.

3

Small, dull yellow flowers in terminal clusters with spoon-shaped petals, emitting herbal scent.

4

Brown, round fruit splitting into five parts, revealing numerous small dark seeds.

5

Soft green stems maturing into woody texture, sparse branching with alternating leaves.

RueRueRueRueRue

Detailed Traits of Rue

Leaf Features

The leaves of rue are distinctive, appearing soft blue-green and aromatic when bruised. They are deeply lobed and 2-pinnately divided, resembling ferns. Each leaf is gland-dotted, contributing to their unique texture and appearance. The compound leaves have a bitter taste. Shape-wise, they are intricately divided, providing a delicate and fern-like look. This division extends down to small, pointed lobes, with a length generally around 2-4 inches (5-10 cm).

Learn About the Leaf Glossary
Group
Flower Features

The flowers of rue are characterized by their small, dull yellow petals. Arranged in terminal, erect clusters, these 5-petaled blooms encircle a green superior ovary. Each flower measures approximately 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter. Petals are spoon-shaped, and while individually inconspicuous, collectively they form a distinct appearance. These flowers emit a strong, herbal scent, and typically bloom from late spring to early summer, making them a key feature for identification during this period.

Learn About the Flower Glossary
Group
Stem Features

The stems of rue start as soft, green, and tender, embodying the vitality of new growth. As they age, these stems gradually harden and take on a woody texture. They are generally slender, measuring about 0.1-0.5 inches (0.25-1.27 cm) in thickness. The branching pattern is typically sparse and sympodial, with leaves alternating along the length of the stem. Mature woody stems provide structural support and exhibit a dark, roughened bark, distinguishing them from younger, smoother stems.

Learn About the Stem Glossary
Group
Fruit Features

The fruit of rue is a brown, round to oval capsule that matures to exhibit a unique dehiscent trait – it splits into five separate parts. Within these splits, several small, dark seeds are revealed. The surface texture of the fruit is generally smooth. Each capsule measures approximately 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) in size, and the seeds inside are numerous. These features make the fruit visually distinctive and contribute to the identification of rue.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary
Group
Icon code

Scan QR code to download

More Plants You May Like and How to Identify Them
Img topic
Cape jasmine

Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.

Img topic
Golden pothos

The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.

Img topic
Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.

Img topic
Pepper

The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.

Img topic
Swiss cheese plant

The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.

Img topic
Bigleaf hydrangea

The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.

Identify Rue easily and quickly
We're also capable of identifying over 12,000 types of plants, flowers, succulents, and trees in your surroundings.
Identify a Plant Online

Key Facts About Rue

Attributes of Rue
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
61 cm to 91 cm
Spread
60 cm to 90 cm
Fruit Color
Brown
Green
Copper
Leaf type
Evergreen
The Toxicity of Rue
Identify plants with a snap
Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.
Download the App for Free

Scientific Classification of Rue

Family
Rue
Icon allow
Genus
Rues
Icon allow
Species
Rue (Ruta graveolens)
Learn More About the Rue

Distribution Map of Rue

Rue is indigenous to the Balkans and parts of the Mediterranean Basin. The plant has expanded beyond its native range, now found across Europe, in temperate regions of Asia, and in selected parts of North and South America. It is also introduced to portions of Africa. Cultivation of rue occurs in various locations, reflecting its adaptation to different climates and soils.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
close
close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
PictureThis Ios DownloadPictureThis Android Download
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app