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Common Name: Mountain Rue

General Information

Ruta montana is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 0.30 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials.

Known Hazards

Although no records of toxicity have been seen for this species the following notes apply to at least one other member of the genus so some caution is advised.
All parts of this plant are poisonous in large quantities[]. It should not be used at all by pregnant women since it can induce abortions[]. The sap contains furanocoumarins, sensitizing the skin to light and causing blistering or dermatitis in sensitive people[].

Botanical References

,

Range

S.E. Europe to W. Asia and N. Africa.

Habitat

Dry rocky places[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in any good open soil[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

The leaves are used as a condiment[, ].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

An essential oil from the leaves is used in perfumery and as a food flavouring.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[], it can also be sown in early to mid spring in a cold frame[, ]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of young shoots in late spring[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[]. Very easy[].
Layering in early summer. Old plants often self-layer[].