Ruta chalepensis

The Ruta chalepensis or Aleppo Rue is an ornamental and evergreen undershrub with a strong fragrance, grey-green in colour, widely spread in Mediterranean regions. In phytotherapy, it is used for its antispasmodic, emmenagogic, and vermifuge properties, but its use should be under medical supervision. It is a photosensitizing plant on contact and toxic when ingested in large doses. Some use it as a condiment, but it is best to consider it ornamental given its contraindications. It adorns itself in late spring and summer with a nectariferous lemon-yellow flowering, highly visited by pollinators. Its petals are fringed with small undulate cilia.

The Ruta chalepensis belongs to the Rutaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean basin where it grows in open, rocky places or among bushes, up to 1000 m (3281ft) altitude. It is an evergreen undershrub, about 50 to 80 cm (20 to 32in) tall, with a bushy and erect habit, powerfully fragrant, grey-green in colour, finely divided. It is a plant whose smell is appreciated by some and disliked by others. In the past, the leaves were used to flavour various culinary preparations. It blooms with acid yellow flowers, delicately fringed petals, from spring to summer. Hardy up to -15°C (5°F), this plant prefers poor, rocky, well-drained soils. Its resistance to summer drought is excellent.

It is mainly in the garden and at home that the Aleppo Rue finds its usefulness. Planted around the vegetable garden or within a flowerbed, it repels cats who often take great pleasure in scratching in mulch or in the location of new sowings. Bouquets or sachets of dried Rue leaves repel ants, mice, and moths at home.

Sow from March to July for a harvest from July to December the following year.

Harvest: It is done from the 2nd year. It simply involves taking a few branches, before flowering, if you want to dry the leaves.

Storage: Storage is done in bags once the plant is thoroughly dried.

Gardener's tip: Some plants, including Rue, are photosensitizing. In summer, remember to protect your hands when gardening nearby, as its contact, combined with sunlight, can cause burns.