Rue (Ruta graveolens)

Rue, also known as Herb of Grace, Herb of Repentance, or simply Common Rue is a hardy shrubby perennial with highly aromatic fern-like leaves.  Rue has a strong aroma when crushed and a bitter flavor. 

Foliage has an enchanting gray blue-green color and produces small yellow flowers in abundance throughout the summer. It starts to flower early in the season.  Rue is fast growing, low maintenance, drought tolerant once established, and grows well in a variety of soil conditions. 

Historically, it was not meant for regular consumption, but rather as a cleansing bitter and for a variety of medicinal purposes.  Today, Rue is cultivated in the garden as a fragrant ornamental and companion plant and for it's lovely pale yellow blossoms.  Rue is attractive to pollinators but also acts as a natural pest repellent.  

Rue is a perennial or annual herb native to the Balkan peninsula and southeastern Europe.  Rue developed a reputation as a magical, spiritual protective herb in these native regions.  It was often planted in doorways to ward off evil spirits.