Rue (Ruta graveolens)

Once a common staple in most herb gardens, the unassuming Ruta graveolens has fallen out of the vernacular— even more of a reason to grow this wonderful plant. Its pungent scent is a good repellent against pest insects, especially Japanese beetles, making rue a good companion plant. It is traditionally used in Central Asia as an insect repellent and room deodorizer. And, its flowers are attractive nectar sources for Swallowtail butterflies and parasitic wasps, with its leaves being good fodder for caterpillars too. One should take care in handling Rue plants, as their sap can be a skin irritant and cause blisters. While a perennial plant, Rue does not have a long life span, and can easily be allowed to propagate itself by letting flowers go to seed. Ruta graveolens makes for a lovely low hedge in one’s garden. Known widely as ‘Herb-of-Grace,’ this Balkan-originating herb has a far-reaching culinary history; it is important to note that Rue is only safe to consume in small quantities, u