

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.
Compact, evergreen subshrub reaching 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) in height and width.
Distinctive fern-like, aromatic leaves with soft blue-green color and gland dots.
Small, dull yellow flowers in terminal clusters with spoon-shaped petals, emitting herbal scent.
Brown, round fruit splitting into five parts, revealing numerous small dark seeds.
Soft green stems maturing into woody texture, sparse branching with alternating leaves.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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Scientific Classification of Rue