A bushy, hardy perennial, up to 1.5 m (5 ft.) tall, with lax stems, pinnately divided leaves and racemes of mauve, white or bicolored flowers borne throughout the summer it makes an attractive plant for the border or herb garden.
History and traditions
The generic Latin name is said to come from the Greek for milk, ghala. The reputation of this herb for increasing the milk supply of cattle and other animals that eat it was established at the end of the 19th century by studies carried out in France. It was, at one time, thought to be helpful in cases of plague and was a favorite choice for fevers. Culpeper advised that “a bath made of it is very refreshing to the feet of persons tired of over-walking”. The common name “goat’s rue” is possibly because the crushed leaves have a rank smell.
Growth
Goat’s rue will grow in most soils, but prefers moist conditions, thrives and spreads rapidly in rich, fertile soil. Plant in full sun or partial shade. Propagated from seed sown in spring (soaking seeds overnight, or scarifying them, encourages germination).
Uses
Medicinal
An infusion of the herb is supposed to improve lactation for humans, just as eating the plant does for animals. It also has digestive properties and is said to lower blood-sugar levels, making it helpful for late-onset diabetes. General High in nitrogen, it makes a useful “green manure” when ploughed into the soil.
