There is a good chance you have never seen common rue (Ruta graveolens) even though it is a host plant for both black and giant swallowtail butterflies.   However, if you have ever played a game of cards, you are familiar with the silhouette of its leaves (they are the inspiration for the club suit).

       Rue is native to the Balkan Peninsula.  However, it currently grows throughout much of the world.  Although is does well in Georgia gardens, I have found it difficult to find at nurseries.

       Rue is an herb that grows only two to three feet tall.  Its blue-green foliage and clusters of yellow flowers that attract a variety of pollinators make it an attractive addition to a variety of garden settings. In many areas, it retains its foliage throughout the winter.  Rue will grow well is partial shade, in a wide range of soil types, and is both drought and deer resistant.  

       On the downside, rue is poisonous.  While some folks can handle rue within impunity, others break out is a rash and/or blisters when they touch the plant.  With that in mind, I recommend that you wear long sleeves and gloves when handling the plant.  NEVER eat it or use it for medicinal purposes.  If you do, you may rue the day you did.

       My wife and I set out rue for the first time this year in hopes of attracting more giant swallowtails. They join two other giant swallowtail caterpillar host plants (wafer ash and trifoliate orange) that have been growing in our yard for a number of years. 

       If you are looking for an odd host plant to try in your landscape, consider common rue.  However, if you do, be careful how you handle it.