Goat's rue (Tephrosia virginiana)

Goat's rue

Also known as: Virginia tephrosia, Devil's shoestring

Goat's rue is a toxic plant found across the United States. The plant's eye-catching blooms are made up of two upper yellow petals and two fuchsia-colored lower petals. Its long taproot helps fix nitrogen in the soil.

Scientific classification

Species

Goat's rue (Tephrosia virginiana)

Legumes, milkworts and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Spring, Summer, Early fall

Bloom Time

30 cm to 61 cm

Plant Height

30 cm to 45 cm

Spread

Green, Gray, Silver

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Green, Copper

Fruit Color

Yellow, Pink, White, Green, Purple, Red, Gold

Flower Color

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Goat's rue

Culture

Symbolism

Healing, Health, Mental Powers

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Quickly Identify Goat's rue

Elegant pinnately compound leaves, 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) tall.

Vibrant pink to lavender flowers in erect racemes, 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) each.

Distinct transition in fruit pods from green to brown, 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) long.

Silvery-soft leaflets with 8-15 pairs, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long.

Upright, sprawling stem with soft white hairs, reaching up to 3 feet (90 cm).

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Care Guide for Goat's rue

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Goat's rue prefers well-drained soils and semi-arid conditions, thriving with moderate moisture. Weekly watering sustains this balance, essential during its growing season. As an adaptable herbaceous perennial, goat's rue is typically grown outdoors and requires attentive watering for optimal growth and vitality.

Fertilize: For optimal growth and flowering, fertilize goat's rue every 4 to 6 weeks with balanced fertilizers during its active season. Reduce to biannual application in dormancy. Avoid over-fertilization, adjust feeding with seasonal changes, and ensure thorough watering after application for effective nutrient absorption.

Pruning: Goat's rue thrives with early to late spring pruning, which encourages blooms and maintains shape. Remove spent flowers and weak branches for better air circulation. Avoid late-season pruning to prevent frost damage, ensuring healthy growth and enhancing goat's rue's attractiveness.

Propagation: Goat's rue thrives in rocky woodlands and prairies and is propagated by sowing seeds in well-draining soil with full to partial sun. Cold stratification enhances germination. Sow in flats before the last frost and transplant sturdy seedlings, ensuring regular watering and pest observation.

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Images of Goat's rue

Culture

Quickly Identify Goat's rue

Care Guide for Goat's rue

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