Rue
Ruta graveolens
Also called Herb of grace and Common rue
Garden plant · Herbs, veg & fruitDO NOT CUT IT ON A SUNNY DAY. The sap plus sunlight gives blisters that take weeks to fade — prune it in gloves, covered arms, and dull weather, or do not grow it.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Easy
- Water
- Every 10 daysWater the ground, then leave it — water at the base and then leave it — these want to dry out between drinks.
- Light
- Full sun, sharp drainage
- Feed
- Not needed
- Humidity
- Low
- Hardiness
- Hardy — a cold winter RHS H5, to -15°C
- Size
- 0.75 m tall · 0.75 m across
- Lifecycle
- Shrub
- Origin
- The Balkans
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsToxic to pets
Affects dogs.
PeopleHarmful if eaten, and irritates skin
The sap, in sunlight.
HandlingTake care handling it
RHS category B — TOXIC to skin in sunlight. Gloves, covered arms, and never on a bright day.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-08-04.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.