Galega officinalis Goat's rue (Leguminosae)

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Galega officinalis
Goat's rue
(1 Page of 5)

The Galega officinalis plant species is found in S. Europe to W. Asia. Naturalized in S. Britain. It is a member of the Leguminosae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Goat's rue. Some home gardeners know the variety as G. bicolor. G. persica. G. tricolor.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Galega officinalis
Common Name:  Goat's rue
Family:  Leguminosae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  A few reports exist, none of them in Britain, of toxicity to mammals[76], though the plant is often fed to cows and goats in order to increase their milk yield[238].

Mature Height:  1.2   Mature Width:  0.75

Habitat:  Scrub, woods, marshy fields and roadsides[187].

Cultivation Notes: Succeeds in most soils but repays generous treatment[1, 200]. Prefers full sun and a deep moist soil[1, 4] but it also succeeds in light shade[200]. Grows well even in poor soils[233]. Plants are very tolerant of neglect and can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut annually in the autumn[233, 238]. A long-lived plant[1], it can be invasive in good growing conditions[200]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200].

For further Galega officinalis gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future