Pollinator plant

Rue

Ruta graveolens

Linked agroforestry plant data
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Common names

46 names · 29 languages
EnglishYour language
+6 more namesShow fewer names
Other languages (28)
Dutch
French
Afrikaans
Catalan
Chinese (Simplified)
Chinese (Traditional)
Croatian
Czech
  • routa vonná[4]
Danish
  • almindelig rude[4]
Finnish
  • tuoksuruuta[4]
German
Hungarian
  • kerti ruta[4]
Italian
Japanese
  • ヘンルウダ[4]
  • ヘンルーダ[4]
Lithuanian
  • Žalioji rūta[4]
Mazahua
Norwegian
Polish
  • Ruta zwyczajna[4]
Portuguese
Russian
  • Рута душистая[4]
Slovak
  • ruta voňavá[4]
Slovenian
  • vinska rutica[4]
Sotho
Spanish
Swedish
Tsotsil
Turkish
Ukrainian
  • Рута запашна[4]
Sources & name notes (4)

Names recorded in our plant catalogue and botanical sources, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

Numbered references identify names recorded by an external source. Other names are from our plant catalogue.

[1] Ruta graveolens — Plant Toolbox common names ↗

NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox; English common names in a United States horticultural reference.

Source records
  • Rue — ul#common_names > li:nth-of-type(4); heading: Common Name(s):; Ruta graveolens.
  • Common Rue — ul#common_names > li:nth-of-type(1); heading: Common Name(s):; Ruta graveolens.
  • Herb of Grace — ul#common_names > li:nth-of-type(3); heading: Common Name(s):; Ruta graveolens.
  • Garden Rue — ul#common_names > li:nth-of-type(2); heading: Common Name(s):; Ruta graveolens.
[2] Ruta graveolens — iNaturalist taxon names ↗

Community-curated iNaturalist taxonomy. This is a common-name attestation, not an independent botanical determination.

Source records
  • Rue — results[0].names[3]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • Common Rue — results[0].names[30]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • Herb Of Grace — results[0].names[34]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • Garden Rue — results[0].names[33]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • Wijnruit — results[0].names[10]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • Rue officinale — results[0].names[7]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • Wein-Raute — results[0].names[14]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • Ave Grace — results[0].names[29]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • Countryman's Tracle — results[0].names[31]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • Countryman's Treacle — results[0].names[32]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • Herb Of Repentance — results[0].names[35]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • Herb Of Repentence — results[0].names[36]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • Ruda — results[0].names[6]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • ruta comune — results[0].names[38]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • Arruda — results[0].names[8]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
[3] Catalogue of Life 2026-08-20 — Ruta graveolens ↗

Common names from World Plants, version 26.05, reproduced in Catalogue of Life 2026-08-20. License: CC BY.

Source records
  • Rue (EN); Ruda comun (ES) — VernacularName.tsv, line 173244; taxon 4TT2S.
  • Duftende Raute (DE); Common Rue — VernacularName.tsv, line 173243; taxon 4TT2S.
  • Wein-Raute — VernacularName.tsv, line 173245; taxon 4TT2S.
[4] Ruta graveolens — iNaturalist taxon names ↗

Community-curated iNaturalist taxonomy; common-name attestation, not an independent botanical determination.

Source records
  • Rue — results[0].names[3]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • Common Rue — results[0].names[30]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • Herb Of Grace — results[0].names[34]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • Garden Rue — results[0].names[33]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • Wijnruit — results[0].names[10]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • Rue officinale — results[0].names[7]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • Wein-Raute — results[0].names[14]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • Ave Grace — results[0].names[29]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • Countryman's Tracle — results[0].names[31]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • Countryman's Treacle — results[0].names[32]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • Herb Of Repentance — results[0].names[35]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • Herb Of Repentence — results[0].names[36]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • Ruda — results[0].names[6]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • ruta comune — results[0].names[38]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • Arruda — results[0].names[8]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • lotta — results[0].names[1]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • lura — results[0].names[2]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • 臭草 — results[0].names[5]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • routa vonná — results[0].names[9]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • vinrute — results[0].names[11]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • tuoksuruuta — results[0].names[12]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • Ruda vera — results[0].names[13]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • ヘンルーダ — results[0].names[15]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • ヘンルウダ — results[0].names[16]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • Žalioji rūta — results[0].names[18]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • 芸香 — results[0].names[19]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • 芸香 — results[0].names[20]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • sedef otu — results[0].names[21]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • vinruta — results[0].names[22]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • Ruta zwyczajna — results[0].names[23]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • almindelig rude — results[0].names[24]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • Рута душистая — results[0].names[25]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • Binnewortel — results[0].names[26]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • wynruit — results[0].names[27]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • wynryk — results[0].names[28]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • tloro — results[0].names[37]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • vinska rutica — results[0].names[39]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • Rutvica — results[0].names[40]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • Smrdljiva rutvica — results[0].names[41]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • Ruta — results[0].names[42]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • kerti ruta — results[0].names[43]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • Рута запашна — results[0].names[44]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • Tloro ya ngwale — results[0].names[45]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
  • ruta voňavá — results[0].names[46]; taxon id 147294; Ruta graveolens.
Plant references

Source-backed information

Published observations for this plant. Each reference supports the information beside it.

Taxonomy
Ruta graveolens is an accepted species in Catalogue of Life.

Taxonomic treatment in the August 2026 release; the catalogue record name is preserved.

Sources [1]
Botanical family
Rutaceae

Family in the cited taxonomic treatment.

Sources [1]
Mature height
0.61–0.91 m

NC State Extension profile. Converted from the source range in feet and inches; mature size varies with growing conditions.

Sources [2]
Mature spread
0.61–0.91 m

NC State Extension profile. Converted from the source range in feet and inches; mature size varies with growing conditions.

Sources [2]
Plant habit
Erect; Mounding

NC State Extension profile.

Sources [2]
Life cycle
Perennial

NC State Extension profile.

Sources [2]
Growth rate
Medium

NC State Extension profile.

Sources [2]
Foliage
Broadleaf Evergreen; Deciduous

NC State Extension profile.

Sources [2]
Light
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day); Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)

NC State Extension profile.

Sources [2]
Moisture and drainage
Good Drainage; Occasionally Dry

NC State Extension profile.

Sources [2]
Soil texture
Clay; Loam (Silt); Sand; Shallow Rocky

NC State Extension profile.

Sources [2]
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Alkaline (>8.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)

NC State Extension profile. These source categories do not certify the catalogue’s numeric pH interval.

Sources [2]
Flowering season
Autumn; Summer

NC State Extension profile. Seasons reflect the source region and do not verify the catalogue’s exact flowering months.

Sources [2]
Reported wildlife attraction
Listed as attracting: butterflies, pollinators.

NC State Extension profile. Broad wildlife categories; this does not establish flower visits by a named bee species or quantify nectar and pollen.

Sources [2]
Native range
N. Balkan Pen. to Krym.

Explicit native locality records in Kew WCVP v16; introduced and doubtful distributions excluded. Continent conversion follows the documented geographic mapping.

Sources [3]
Catalogue ratings

Who this plant supports

Honey bees

Medium suitability
Nectar value Medium
Pollen value Medium
Agroforestry database

Complete plant information

Open full plant profile

Structure

Vegetation layer
Herbaceous
Size
Small
Dimensions
0.50 m high × 0.50 m wide
Growth rate
Moderate
Lifecycle
Perennial

Site conditions

USDA hardiness
4-10
Moisture
Moist, Well-drained
Soil
Sandy, Loamy, Clay
pH
Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Light
Partial shade, Sun

Uses

Edible parts
Leaves, Seasoning, Tea
Functions
Dye, Essential oil, Repellent, Ground cover, Fragrant
Edibility
1 out of 5
Medicinal value
3 out of 5

Leaves can be eaten raw or used as a flavoring. Although they are sometimes included in salads, they are strongly aromatic and mildly toxic, so they should only be used in small amounts. The taste is intense and bitter. The leaves contain rutin, which is beneficial for circulation. They should be handled with care due to their toxicity; see the section on toxicity below. The leaves can also be used to make tea.

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Catalogue of Life Ruta graveolens — Catalogue of Life COL26.8

    COL26.8 (2026-08-20). Contributing checklist: Synonymic Checklists of the Vascular Plants of the World. This is taxonomic evidence, not an independent ecological study.

    Supports: TaxonomyBotanical family
    Relevant sections
    • Taxonomy: NameUsage.tsv line 1165591; ID 4TT2S; rank species; status accepted
    • Botanical family: NameUsage.tsv line 1165591; ID 4TT2S; rank species; status accepted

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 4.0.

  2. NC State Extension Ruta graveolens — Plant Toolbox

    NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. Growing conditions and seasons reflect its United States horticultural context.

    Supports: Mature heightMature spreadPlant habitLife cycleGrowth rateFoliageLightMoisture and drainageSoil textureSoil pHFlowering seasonReported wildlife attraction
    Relevant sections
    • Mature height: Dimensions / Height
    • Mature spread: Dimensions / Width
    • Plant habit: Habit/Form
    • Life cycle: Life Cycle
    • Growth rate: Growth Rate
    • Foliage: Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics
    • Light: Light
    • Moisture and drainage: Soil Drainage
    • Soil texture: Soil Texture
    • Soil pH: Soil pH
    • Flowering season: Flower Bloom Time
    • Reported wildlife attraction: Attracts

    Source checked on .

  3. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Ruta graveolens — Kew WCVP native distribution

    Native distribution and taxonomic treatment from the official WCVP v16 export (4 June 2026). The link opens the corresponding POWO taxon. Source rows are retained in the native-range audit archive.

    Supports: Native range
    Relevant sections
    • Native range: WCVP v16; wcvp_names.csv lines 271761; wcvp_distribution.csv native locality lines 1020153, 1020154, 1020158, 1020159, 1020160

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.