Description
Goat’s Rue (Tephrosia Virginiana) is an eye catching native perennial legume that is easily identified by its blooms; it has silvery, gray-green foliage with showy pink & cream flowers.
Wildlife notes
Leaf-cutter bees are attracted to the nectar and pollen. Skipper caterpillars eat the foliage. Wild Turkey eat the seeds. The roots of the plant contain rotenone, which is toxic to insects and fish. Historically, plants were fed to goats to improve milk production. However, that practice was discontinued after discovering rotenone toxicity.
Forage notes
Cattle eat the foliage.
Landscaping notes
Tephrosia virginiana is a member of the pea family that typically grows to 1-2′ tall. Once established, plants are best left untouched. Division and transplanting can be difficult. Goat’s Rue is best grown in acidic, dry to mesic, well-drained, sandy loams in full sun. It is drought resistant.
This plant looks nice in border fronts, cottage gardens, and native plant gardens and adds nitrogen to the soil.
Restoration notes
Tephrosia virginiana is native to dry open woods, glades and sandy prairies. It is commonly found throughout the southern, central and eastern parts of Missouri. In more wooded areas, Goat’s Rue typically occurs where oaks are the dominant trees.
Additional information
| Weight | N/A |
|---|---|
| Unit | Packet, Ounce, Pound |
| Light | Full Sun to Part Shade |
| Seeding Rate | 14 bulk lbs/acre |
| Soils | Dry, Average |
| Height | 8"-12" |
| Bloom Month | Jun |
| Color | Pale pink, violet, and yellow blooms |
| Specialty Uses | Wildlife, Landscaping, Medicinal |
| Cattle Palatability | Fair |
| # seeds/pkt | 200 |
| Packet coverage area | 5 sq ft. |
