Goat's rue

Galega officinalis

European perennial herb that yielded the chemistry behind metformin — the most-prescribed type-2 diabetes drug in the world. Pale lilac pea flowers attract bees.

Hardiness ratings

Goat's rue hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 4–8 −34.4 °C to −6.7 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H7 down to −20 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 4–8 −29 °C to −1 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 1–4 −15 °C to 5 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Toxic to livestock — particularly cattle and sheep. Do not plant in or near pastures.
  • Listed as an invasive weed in parts of the US — check local rules
  • Major bee-forage plant; non-toxic to bees that feed on its nectar
  • Always consult a qualified medical or herbal practitioner before using any plant medicinally

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Goat's rue against your zones

Reference

Goat's rue on Wikipedia