description Goat's Rue Overview
Goat's rue, Tephrosia virginiana, is a perennial legume native to dry, open habitats in eastern and central North America. It has silky compound leaves and dense clusters of bicolored flowers, typically combining pale yellow with pink or purple. Its roots contain rotenone and related compounds that are toxic to fish and insects; Indigenous peoples historically used preparations of the plant to stun fish, but its toxicity makes ingestion unsafe.
help Goat's Rue FAQ
What do Goat's Rue flowers look like?
Goat's Rue, or Tephrosia virginiana, has dense clusters of bicolored flowers. The usual combination is pale yellow with pink or purple.
Where does Tephrosia virginiana grow naturally?
It is a perennial legume native to dry, open habitats in eastern and central North America. It is better associated with open ground than with deep, wet forest shade.
Is Goat's Rue the same plant as Galega officinalis?
No. This plant is Tephrosia virginiana, while Galega officinalis is a different species that also uses the common name Goat's Rue.
Are Goat's Rue roots safe to eat or brew as tea?
They should not be treated as an edible or home-remedy root. Tephrosia virginiana roots contain rotenone and related compounds, so ingestion is unsafe.
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