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Goat's rue
Goat's rue
Goat's rue
Goat's rue
Goat's rue
Goat's rue
Goat's rue
Tephrosia virginiana
Also known as : Virginia tephrosia, Devil's shoestring
Goat's rue is a toxic plant found across the United States. The plant's eye-catching blooms are made up of two upper yellow petals and two fuchsia-colored lower petals. Its long taproot helps fix nitrogen in the soil.
Hardiness Zones
Hardiness Zones
4 to 8
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plant_info

Key Facts About Goat's rue

Attributes of Goat's rue

Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Bloom Time
Spring, Summer, Early fall
Plant Height
30 cm to 61 cm
Spread
30 cm to 46 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Gray
Silver
Flower Size
2.5 cm
Flower Color
Yellow
Pink
White
Green
Purple
Red
Gold
Fruit Color
Brown
Green
Copper
Stem Color
Green
Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
5 - 32 ℃
Growth Season
Spring, Summer
Pollinators
Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Benefits to Pollinating Insects
Adult food, Larval food
Growth Rate
Moderate

Symbolism

Healing, Health, Mental Powers

Scientific Classification of Goat's rue

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distribution

Distribution of Goat's rue

Habitat of Goat's rue

Open woods, sandy fields, dunes
Northern Hemisphere
South Hemisphere

Distribution Map of Goat's rue

distribution map
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
habit
question

Questions About Goat's rue

Watering Watering Watering
Sunlight Sunlight Sunlight
Temperature Temperature Temperature
What is the best way to water my Goat's rue?
When watering the Goat's rue, you should aim to use filtered water that is at room temperature. Filtered water is better for this plant, as tap water can contain particles that are harmful to its health. The reason that the water should be at room temperature or slightly warmer is that the Goat's rue comes from a warm environment, and cold water can be somewhat of a shock to its system. Also, you should avoid overhead watering for this plant, as it can cause foliage complications. Instead, simply apply your filtered room temperature water to the soil until the soil is entirely soaked. Soaking the soil can be very beneficial for this plant as it moistens the roots and helps them continue to spread through the soil and collect the nutrients they need.
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What should I do if I water my Goat's rue too much or too little?
Both overwatering and underwatering will be detrimental to the health of your Goat's rue, but overwatering is a far more common issue. When this species receives too much water, its stems and leaves may begin to wilt and turn from green to yellow. Overwatering over a prolonged period may also lead to diseases such as root rot, mold, and mildew, all of which can kill your plant. Underwatering is far less common for the Goat's rue, as this plant has decent drought tolerance. However, underwatering remains a possibility, and when it occurs, you can expect to find that the leaves of your Goat's rue have become brittle and brown.
It is crucial that you notice the signs of overwatering as soon as possible when caring for your Goat's rue. Some of the diseases that arise from overwatering, such as root rot, may not be correctable if you wait too long. If you see early signs of overwatering, you should reduce your watering schedule immediately. You may also want to assess the quality of soil in which your Goat's rue grows. If you find that the soil drains very poorly, you should replace it immediately with a loose, well-draining potting mix. On the other hand, if you find signs that your Goat's rue is receiving too little water, all you need to do is water more regularly until those signs have subsided.
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How often should I water my Goat's rue?
If your plant is in a pot. The most precise way to decide whether your Goat's rue needs water is to plunge your finger into the soil. If you notice that the first two to three inches of soil have become dry, it is time to add some water.
If you grow your Goat's rue outdoors in the ground, you can use a similar method to test the soil. Again, when you find that the first few inches of soil have dried out, it is time to add water. During the spring and early fall, this method will often lead you to water this plant about once every week. When extremely hot weather arrives, you may need to increase your watering frequency to about twice or more per week. With that said, mature, well-established the Goat's rue can show an admirable ability to withstand drought.
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How much water does my Goat's rue need?
When it comes time to water your Goat's rue, you should not be shy about how much water you give. With the first two to three inches of soil dry, this plant will appreciate a long and thorough watering. Supply enough water to soak the soil entirely. The amount of water you add should be enough to cause excess water to flow through the drainage holes at the bottom of your pot. If you don’t see excess water draining from the pot, you have likely underwatered your plant. But do not let the water accumulate inside the soil, which will be very dangerous to the plant as well. Alternatively, a lack of water draining through the pot could indicate poorly draining soils, which is detrimental to the health of this plant and should be avoided. If the plant is outside, 1 inch of rain per week will be sufficient.
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How should I water my Goat's rue at different growth stages?
The water needs of the Goat's rue can change depending on growth stages as well. For example, when your Goat's rue is in the first few years of its life, or if you have just transplanted it to a new growing location, you will need to give more water than usual. During both of those stages, your Goat's rue will put a lot of energy towards sprouting new roots that will then support future growth. For those roots to perform their best, they need a bit more moisture than they would at a more mature phase. After a few seasons, your Goat's rue will need much less water. Another growth stage in which this plant may need more water is during the bloom period. Flower development can make use of a significant amount of moisture, which is why you might need to give your Goat's rue more water at this time.
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How should I water my Goat's rue through the seasons?
The Goat's rue will have its highest water needs during the hottest months of the year. During the height of summer, you may need to give this plant water more than once per week, depending on how fast the soil dries out. The opposite is true during the winter. In winter, your plant will enter a dormant phase, in which it will need far less water than usual. In fact, you may not need to water this plant at all during the winter months. However, if you do water during winter, you should not do so more than about once per month. Watering too much at this time will make it more likely that your Goat's rue will contract a disease.
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What's the difference between watering my Goat's rue indoors and outdoors?
It is most common to grow the Goat's rue indoors for any gardener that does not live in temperate and tropical regions. Those gardeners should consider the fact that soil in a container can dry out a bit faster than ground soil. Also, the presence of drying elements such as air conditioning units can cause your Goat's rue to need water on a more frequent basis as well. if you planted it outside. When that is the case, it’s likely you won’t need to water your Goat's rue very much at all. If you receive rainfall on a regular basis, that may be enough to keep your plant alive. Alternatively, those who grow this plant inside will need to water it more often, as allowing rainwater to soak the soil will not be an option.
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More Info on Goat's Rue Growth and Care

Basic Care Guide
Lighting
Full sun
Goat's rue requires ample sunshine for robust growth, endorsing its habitat origins that demand generous illumination. Prolonged hours of sunlight exposure nurture its development. It can, however, endure less abundant sunshine, although insufficient light may affect its vitality adversely.
Best Sunlight Practices
Temperature
-25 - 35 ℃
Goat's rue is native to areas where temperatures typically range from 41 to 90 °F (5 to 32 ℃). It prefers moderate temperatures, and extra care should be taken during extreme weather to maintain its ideal temperature conditions.
Temp for Healthy Growth
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Distribution
Care FAQ
More About How-Tos
Related Plants
Goat's rue
Goat's rue
Goat's rue
Goat's rue
Goat's rue
Goat's rue
Goat's rue
Tephrosia virginiana
Also known as: Virginia tephrosia, Devil's shoestring
Goat's rue is a toxic plant found across the United States. The plant's eye-catching blooms are made up of two upper yellow petals and two fuchsia-colored lower petals. Its long taproot helps fix nitrogen in the soil.
Hardiness Zones
Hardiness Zones
4 to 8
more
plant_info

Key Facts About Goat's rue

Attributes of Goat's rue

Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Bloom Time
Spring, Summer, Early fall
Plant Height
30 cm to 61 cm
Spread
30 cm to 46 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Gray
Silver
Flower Size
2.5 cm
Flower Color
Yellow
Pink
White
Green
Purple
Red
Gold
Fruit Color
Brown
Green
Copper
Stem Color
Green
Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
5 - 32 ℃
Growth Season
Spring, Summer
Pollinators
Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Benefits to Pollinating Insects
Adult food, Larval food
Growth Rate
Moderate
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Symbolism

Healing, Health, Mental Powers

Scientific Classification of Goat's rue

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distribution

Distribution of Goat's rue

Habitat of Goat's rue

Open woods, sandy fields, dunes
Northern Hemisphere
South Hemisphere

Distribution Map of Goat's rue

distribution map
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
question

Questions About Goat's rue

Watering Watering Watering
Sunlight Sunlight Sunlight
Temperature Temperature Temperature
What is the best way to water my Goat's rue?
more
What should I do if I water my Goat's rue too much or too little?
more
How often should I water my Goat's rue?
more
How much water does my Goat's rue need?
more
How should I water my Goat's rue at different growth stages?
more
How should I water my Goat's rue through the seasons?
more
What's the difference between watering my Goat's rue indoors and outdoors?
more
icon
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Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.
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care_scenes

More Info on Goat's Rue Growth and Care

Basic Care Guide
plant_info

Plants Related to Goat's rue

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80+ scholars in botany and gardening
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Lighting
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Indoor
Indoor
Outdoor
Choose a site here for personalized care tips.
Requirements
Full sun
Ideal
Above 6 hours sunlight
Partial sun
Tolerance
About 3-6 hours sunlight
Watch how sunlight gracefully moves through your garden, and choose spots that provide the perfect balance of light and shade for your plants, ensuring their happiness.
Essentials
Goat's rue requires ample sunshine for robust growth, endorsing its habitat origins that demand generous illumination. Prolonged hours of sunlight exposure nurture its development. It can, however, endure less abundant sunshine, although insufficient light may affect its vitality adversely.
Preferred
Tolerable
Unsuitable
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Artificial lighting
Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
View more
Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
1. Choose the right type of artificial light: LED lights are a popular choice for indoor plant lighting because they can be customized to provide the specific wavelengths of light that your plants need.
Full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft.
2. Determine the appropriate distance: Place the light source 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight.
3. Determine the duration: Mimic the length of natural daylight hours for your plant species. most plants need 8-12 hours of light per day.
Important Symptoms
Symptoms of Insufficient Light in %s
Goat's rue thrives in full sunlight and is commonly grown outdoors where it receives ample sunlight. When placed in rooms with inadequate lighting, symptoms of light deficiency may not be readily apparent.
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(Symptom details and solutions)
Small leaves
New leaves may grow smaller in size compared to the previous ones once they have matured.
Leggy or sparse growth
The spaces between leaves or stems of your Goat's rue may become longer, resulting in a thin and stretched-out appearance. This can make the plant look sparse and weak, and it may easily break or lean due to its own weight.
Faster leaf drop
When plants are exposed to low light conditions, they tend to shed older leaves early to conserve resources. Within a limited time, these resources can be utilized to grow new leaves until the plant's energy reserves are depleted.
Slower or no new growth
Goat's rue enters a survival mode when light conditions are poor, which leads to a halt in leaf production. As a result, the plant's growth becomes delayed or stops altogether.
Lighter-colored new leaves
Insufficient sunlight can cause leaves to develop irregular color patterns or appear pale. This indicates a lack of chlorophyll and essential nutrients.
Solutions
1. To ensure optimal growth, gradually move plants to a sunnier location each week, until they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Use a south-facing window and keep curtains open during the day for maximum sunlight exposure and nutrient accumulation.2. To provide additional light for your plant, consider using artificial light if it's large or not easily movable. Keep a desk or ceiling lamp on for at least 8 hours daily, or invest in professional plant grow lights for ample light.
Symptoms of Excessive light in %s
Goat's rue thrives in full sun exposure and can tolerate intense sunlight. With their remarkable resilience, symptoms of sunburn may not be easily visible, as they rarely suffer from it.
View more
(Symptom details and solutions)
Chlorosis
Chlorosis is a condition where the plant's leaves lose their green color and turn yellow. This is due to the breakdown of chlorophyll from excessive sunlight, which negatively affects the plant's ability to photosynthesize.
Sunscald
Sunscald occurs when the plant's leaves or stems are damaged by intense sunlight exposure. It appears as pale, bleached, or necrotic areas on the plant tissue and can reduce the plant's overall health.
Leaf Curling
Leaf curling is a symptom where leaves curl or twist under extreme sunlight conditions. This is a defense mechanism used by the plant to reduce its surface area exposed to sunlight, minimizing water loss and damage.
Wilting
Wilting occurs when a plant loses turgor pressure and its leaves and stems begin to droop. Overexposure to sunlight can cause wilting by increasing the plant's water loss through transpiration, making it difficult for the plant to maintain adequate hydration.
Leaf Scorching
Leaf scorching is a symptom characterized by the appearance of brown, dry, and crispy edges or patches on leaves due to excessive sunlight. This can lead to a reduction in photosynthetic capacity and overall plant health.
Solutions
1. Move your plant to the optimal position where it can receive abundant sunlight but also have some shade. An east-facing window is an ideal choice as the morning sunlight is gentler. This way, your plant can enjoy ample sunlight while reducing the risk of sunburn.2. It is recommended to trim off any completely dehydrated or withered parts of the plant.
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Temperature
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Indoor
Indoor
Outdoor
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Requirements
Ideal
Tolerable
Unsuitable
Just like people, each plant has its own preferences. Learn about your plants' temperature needs and create a comforting environment for them to flourish. As you care for your plants, your bond with them will deepen. Trust your intuition as you learn about their temperature needs, celebrating the journey you share. Lovingly monitor the temperature around your plants and adjust their environment as needed. A thermometer can be your ally in this heartfelt endeavor. Be patient and gentle with yourself as you explore your plants' temperature needs. Cherish your successes, learn from challenges, and nurture your garden with love, creating a haven that reflects the warmth of your care.
Essentials
Goat's rue is native to areas where temperatures typically range from 41 to 90 °F (5 to 32 ℃). It prefers moderate temperatures, and extra care should be taken during extreme weather to maintain its ideal temperature conditions.
Regional wintering strategies
Goat's rue has strong cold resistance, so special frost protection measures are usually not necessary during winter. However, if the winter temperatures are expected to drop below {Limit_growth_temperature}, it is still important to provide cold protection. This can be achieved by covering the plant with materials such as soil or straw. Before the first freeze in autumn, it is recommended to water the plant abundantly, ensuring the soil remains moist and enters a frozen state. This helps prevent drought and water scarcity for the plant during winter and early spring.
Important Symptoms
Symptoms of Low Temperature in %s
Goat's rue is cold-tolerant and thrives best when the temperature is above {Suitable_growth_temperature_min}. During winter, it should be kept above {Tolerable_growing_temperature_min}. When the temperature falls below {Limit_growth_temperature}, although there may not be any noticeable changes during winter, there may be a decrease in sprouting or even no sprouting during springtime.
Solutions
In spring, remove any parts that have failed to sprout.
Symptoms of High Temperature in %s
During summer, Goat's rue should be kept below {Suitable_growth_temperature_max}. When the temperature exceeds {Tolerable_growing_temperature_max}, the leaves of the plant may become lighter in color, prone to curling, susceptible to sunburn, and in severe cases, the entire plant may wilt and become dry.
Solutions
Trim away the sunburned and dried-up parts. Move the plant to a location that provides shade from the midday and afternoon sun, or use a shade cloth to create shade. Water the plant in the morning and evening to keep the soil moist.
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