Herb: Mountain Rue


Latin name: Ruta montana


Family: Rutaceae (Rue Family, Citrus Family)



Edible parts of Mountain Rue:

The leaves are used as a condiment.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Shrub

Height:
30 cm
(11 3/4 inch)

Scent:
Scented
Shrub

Habitat of the herb:

Dry rocky places.

Other uses of Mountain Rue:

An essential oil from the leaves is used in perfumery and as a food flavouring.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame, it can also be sown in early to mid spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of young shoots in late spring. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Very easy. Layering in early summer. Old plants often self-layer.

Cultivation of Mountain Rue:

Dry rocky places.

Medicinal use of the herb:

None known

Known hazards of Ruta montana:

Although no records of toxicity have been seen for this species the following notes apply to at least one other member of the genus so some caution is advised. All parts of this plant are poisonous in large quantities. It should not be used at all by pregnant women since it can induce abortions. The sap contains furanocoumarins, sensitizing the skin to light and causing blistering or dermatitis in sensitive people.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.