Common rue

Short description of the species

Botanical name

Common rue

Latin name

Ruta graveolens

Family

Rutaceae

Origin

Mediterranean region

Crop classification

spices and herbs

Exposure

light-loving

Frost resistance

frost resistent/prerenial

Optimal growth temperature

18 - 25°C

Water requirement

drought tolerant

Soil requirement

permeable

Soil pH

6,5 – 8,0

Edible part

young leaves

lightbulb

Interesting

The plant contains furanocoumarins, which, when in contact with the skin and exposed to sunlight, can cause rashes, therefore it is recommended to handle it with gloves.

accessibility

Usage

It is used in traditional cuisine (especially in Italy and Croatia), in small amounts for marinades, stuffings, sauces, or soups, and its oil is used in the production of cognac, the oriental liqueur raki, in perfumery, and also as a natural pesticide.

Cultivation practices

Crop rotation and fertilization requirements

Rue is a perennial plant that overwinters in our conditions as an evergreen shrub.

Track: II.

Suitable preceding crops: cereals, legumes, forage mixtures

Fertilization: Rue is fertilized with a balanced NPK fertilizer in well-drained soil, with nitrogen applied sparingly (40–60 kg/ha) during the growing season to prevent excessive growth at the expense of active compounds.

Varieties: Rue varieties differ mainly in leaf color, plant size, and ornamental use in gardens.

Harvest and storage:
Leaves or the whole herb are harvested several times a year.
Use: Rue is characterized by a strong aroma and bitter taste. It is used in traditional cuisine (especially in Italy and Croatia), in small amounts for pickles, stuffings, sauces, or soups. Its oil is used in the production of cognac, the oriental liqueur raki, in perfumery, and as a natural pesticide.
Constituents: alkaloids, flavonoids (rutin, quercetin), essential oils, rutamarin
Phytotherapeutic groups: anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antioxidant, digestive
Diseases and pests: Rue can be attacked by diseases such as rust (Puccinia rutae), powdery mildew, and root rot, and by pests such as aphids (Aphidoidea), mites, snails, and slugs.