Rutaceae: Rue Family

Rue – Ruta chalepensis

Blooms:

Mar–June

Plant Height:

40–80 cm

Flower Size:

Medium

Origin:

Mediterranean

Habitat:

Disturbed places below 500m, especially near coast

Notes:

This is a perennial to subshrub, with flowers in clusters or panicles.  The flowers have 4 bright yellow petals with fringed, slightly in-rolled margins and a prominent, 4-segmented ovary.  The leaves are 2–3 pinnate, with slightly bluish, oblong leaves.  It has a pungent, rather unpleasant odor.