Hartland's Goat's Rue Galega × hartlandii 'Alba'

Names

• Family

  Fabaceae

• Synonyms

  Hartland's Goat's Rue, White Galega, White Goat's Rue

• Common names

  Galega × hartlandii 'Alba'

Toxicity

• To humans

  Galega × hartlandii 'Alba', commonly known as goat's rue, contains galegine and other potentially toxic alkaloids that can be harmful if ingested. The toxicity of goat's rue can lead to symptoms such as low blood sugar, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and more serious conditions like lung problems or irregular heartbeat in extreme cases. Consuming any part of this plant should be avoided to prevent these adverse health effects.

• To pets

  Goat's rue is also toxic to pets due to the presence of galegine and other alkaloids. In animals, ingestion of this plant can cause symptoms similar to those in humans, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes more severe reactions like hypoglycemia, which could be potentially dangerous. Pets should not be allowed to consume any part of the goat's rue plant to avoid toxicity.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  4 feet (1.22 meters)

• Spread

  2 feet (0.61 meters)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  4

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Attracts pollinators: The plant is known to attract bees and butterflies, providing a habitat for beneficial insects.
• Low maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care and can tolerate some neglect.
• Ornamental value: With its delicate white flowers, it adds aesthetic beauty to gardens and landscapes.
• Drought tolerance: This plant can survive in dry conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
• Rapid growth: Galega × hartlandii 'Alba' grows quickly, providing quick coverage or filling in garden spaces efficiently.
• Soil improvement: It can help in fixing nitrogen in the soil, thereby improving soil fertility.
• Deer resistance: It is not a preferred food source for deer, making it a good choice for areas with high deer populations.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Galega × hartlandii 'Alba', commonly known as Goat's Rue, can be used as a natural dye source; its flowers and leaves may yield a variety of subtle hues depending on the mordant used.
• The plant's robust growth habit makes it suitable for use in controlling erosion on slopes or banks by establishing a deep root system that helps to stabilize the soil.
• With its tall and bushy form, Goat's Rue can be planted as a privacy screen or a living fence in a garden setting.
• It can serve as a fodder plant for livestock, particularly goats, from which the plant's common name is derived, though it should be used with care due to potential toxicity in large amounts.
• Florists may use the delicate white flowers of Galega × hartlandii 'Alba' in cut flower arrangements, adding a touch of cottage-garden charm to bouquets.
• When dried, the fragrant blooms can be incorporated into potpourri mixes to add a natural, floral scent to indoor spaces.
• In a permaculture garden, Goat's Rue is utilized as part of a 'guild' of plants that support one another through nutrient sharing and pest management.
• The dead stems of Galega × hartlandii 'Alba' can be collected after the growing season and used as a natural mulch or compost material.
• Due to its attractive blooms, the plant can be included in pollinator gardens to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that aid in the pollination of nearby plants.
• Artists and craftspeople may use the patterned leaves and flowering stalks as inspiration or even as stencils in nature-inspired art works or craft projects.

Feng Shui

The plant Goat's Rue is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The plant Goat's Rue is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Renewal: Galega × hartlandii 'Alba', commonly known as Goat's Rue, is often associated with new beginnings as it is a perennial plant that returns each year, signifying rebirth and renewal.
• Innocence and Purity: The 'Alba' variety, with its white flowers, traditionally symbolizes innocence and purity.
• Medicinal Qualities: Historically used for medicinal purposes, Goat's Rue can represent healing and the power of nature to protect and restore health.
• Adaptability: Goat's Rue thrives in various conditions, making it symbolic of adaptability and resilience.