CAS Number: 8014-29-7; 84929-47-5
FEMA Number: 2995
EINECS Number: 284-531-5
Paras Code: PEO1193
Rue, a sub-shrub known as the herb of grace, is a native of southern Europe, where it will flourish in the poorest of soils. It will easily take to poor garden soil, as well, where it makes a compact and decorative blush.
The ancient Greeks credited rue with the liability to improve eyesight and in his herbal, Gerard took up this theme, recommending it to be boiled, pickled and eaten to quicken the sight.
The brush can grow up to 75 cm with a width of 45 cm. The steams are tough and woody, while the bluish-green leaves are pointed oval, and deeply divided. The flowers are bright yellow and have four petals, about 12 mm across, borne in loose clusters. The seedheads are chestnut brown, and look rather like miniature wood carving.
Strong, aromatic, bitter, herbaceous odour.
Pale yellow to orange colored liquid.