Goat’s Rue
Galega officinalis
Family: Fabaceae
Herbaceous perennial. Native to central and southern Europe,
Russia, Asia Minor and Japan. Bears upright panicles of lilac flowers.
Cold hardy and trouble-free nitrogen-fixing landscape plant. The
dried green herb and/or seed is used in veterinary and human medicine to
increase lactation. Seed contains about .5% of the potent alkaloid
galegine. Reduces blood sugar level. Pour boiling water over
1 tsp. chopped herb, allow to sit 10 minutes, strain and drink. Cultivation:
Extra care. Scarify. Direct seed or sow in flats in a warm place.
Transplant seedlings to garden at 2 foot spacing. Flowers lavender
to 5 feet.
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