Virginia goat's rue

Plant Type

Herbaceous Wildflower

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

1-2 ft. tall
1-1.5 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Drought

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil

Propagation

By seed

Plant Propagation Notes

Propagated best from seed. The deep root system makes transplanting difficult. Seed requires inoculation and moist stratification for 10 days.

Plant Planting Notes

Does not transplant well.

Plants/Diseases

No significant disease or pest issues.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Host plant for butterfly larvae

Leaves

Leaves alternate, compound with oblong leaflets and entire margins.

Flowers

Bicolor flowers with pink and gold/yellow. Pea-like on racemes.

Fruit

Legume.

Toxicity

Low toxicity if ingested. Plants are a source for rotenone used in pesticides and fish poison.

USDA Hardiness Zones

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade, Full Shade

Soil Moisture

Dry, Medium

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Dry pinelands, sandy or rocky oak or oak-pine woodlands and forests, dry roadbanks.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common throughout South Carolina.