Goat’s-rue (Galega officinalis, Sp. Pl.: 714 (1753))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 714 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Galega

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & S. Europe to W. Pakistan

Description

Goat’s-rue, scientifically known as Galega officinalis, is a fascinating member of the Fabaceae family. This perennial herb is native to the diverse regions spanning Central and Southern Europe all the way to Western Pakistan, showcasing its adaptability to various climates and soils.

Typically seen growing up to 1.2 meters tall, Goat’s-rue features compound leaves characterized by their numerous small leaflets. The plant produces charming clusters of pea-shaped flowers, predominantly in hues of white, blue, or violet, blooming gracefully throughout the summer months. These blooms are not only aesthetically pleasing but also play a crucial role in supporting pollinators like bees, thus contributing positively to the ecosystem.

Historically, Goat’s-rue has held significant importance in traditional medicine. It was often employed for its reputed galactagogue properties, believed to boost milk production in nursing mothers. Furthermore, the plant contains compounds that have been studied for their potential to lower blood sugar levels, underscoring its importance in herbal medicine.

However, despite these beneficial aspects, it is essential to exercise caution. Goat’s-rue is classified as an invasive species in several parts of the world due to its vigorous growth and ability to outcompete native flora. Therefore, its cultivation and management require careful consideration to prevent ecological imbalances.

First described in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum,” Galega officinalis remains a subject of interest not only for its historical and medicinal applications but also for its ecological impact. Its distribution from Europe to Pakistan provides valuable insight into the plant’s resilience and adaptability, making it a significant species in botanical studies and environmental management.

Common Names

Deu: arznei-geißraute, geißraute, gewöhnliche geißraute
Fra: galéga officinal, galega officinal, rue de chèvre, sainfoin d’espagne
Eng: goat’s-rue, professor-weed, galega, common goat’s-rue, goat’s rue, common milkpea, professor weed
Dan: læge-stregbælg, stregbælg
Swe: getruta, getärt
Ces: jastrabina lekárska, jestřabina lékařská
Nld: galega
Cym: llys llaeth, ruw’r geifr
En: Goat’s-rue, Galega, Professor-weed, Goat’s rue, Common goat’s-rue, Common milkpea, Professor weed, French Lilac, Goatsrue
Ar: مدرة مخزنية
Hy: Այծախոտ դեղագործական, Քոշփեգենա
Az: Dərman çəpişotu
Bg: Жаблек
Ca: Galega
Zh: 山羊豆
Cs: Jestřabina lékařská, Jastrabina lekárska
Da: Lægestregbælg, Læge-stregbælg, Stregbælg
Nl: Galega
Fi: Rohtovuohenherne
Fr: Rue de chèvre, Galéga officinal, Galega officinal, Sainfoin d’Espagne, Galéga, Lavanèse, Lilas d’Espagne, Rue des chèvres
De: Geissraute, Echte Geißraute, Geißraute, Arznei-Geißraute, Gewöhnliche Geißraute, Pestilenzkraut
He: צער העיזים
Hu: Orvosi kecskeruta
Is: Læknastrábelgur
It: Capraggine avanese, Avanese, Capraggine, Galega
Lt: Ožiarūtis
Mk: Здралка
No: Geitvikke
Os: Сæгъгæрдæг
Fa: شیرین بیان سا
Pl: Rutwica lekarska
Pt: Arruda-caprária
Ru: Козлятник лекарственный
Sr: Ждраљевина
Sk: Jastrabina lekárska
Es: Ruda cabruna
Sv: Getruta, Gertuta, Getärt
Tr: Keçisedefi
Uk: Козлятник лікарський
Cy: Ruw’r geifr, Llys Llaeth

Synonyms

• Galega coronilloides (Freyn & Sint.)
• Galega tricolor (Hook.)
• Galega patula (Steven)
• Accorombona tricolor ((Hook.) Benth. ex Walp.)
• Galega biloba (Sweet)
• Callotropis tricolor ((Hook.) G.Don)
• Tephrosia tricolor ((Hook.) Sweet)
• Galega persica (Pers.)
• Galega bicolor (Boiss. & Hausskn.)
• Galega vulgaris (Lam.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Italy (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uruguay (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Algeria (introduced)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Argentina Northwest (introduced)
• Argentina South (introduced)
• Baltic States (introduced)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Central European Rus (introduced)
• Chile Central (introduced)
• Chile North (introduced)
• Colorado (introduced)
• Ecuador (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Morocco (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Peru (introduced)
• Portugal (introduced)
• Switzerland (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)
• Zaïre (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 6, 2021 by martin cross (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2020 by Jeannette van Gent (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2019 by Marzocchi Monica (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 20, 2020 by Lugifa Lugifa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2021 by martin cross (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 17, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2021 by Sara G. (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2022 by Freecold (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2019 by Flavia Cristofari (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2022 by gwen oddo (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 20, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 17, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2022 by vandertol karin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2020 by Юлия (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 22, 2022 by simona_111 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2022 by danchy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2020 by Cécile LM (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2020 by Jardin Des Cocagnous (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Sep 15, 2004 by Tela Botanica − Laurent PETIT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 6, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 25, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2022 by John Sycorax (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 11, 2018 by Andrei Contiu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2022 by Семенова Ольга (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 2, 2021 by James Stevens (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2019 by Emgen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2975667)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:495681-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Galega officinalis L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 7

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 7