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Goat's Rue
Tephrosia virginiana
PerennialGoat's Rue
Tephrosia virginiana
Tap to flip backGrowing Conditions
Light
Sun – Part Shade
Water
Dry
Soil
Sandy
Size
1-2'
Bloom
Pink & Yellow, May–Jul
Why Grow It
Nitrogen Fixing
Enriches your soil naturally
Drought Tolerant
Thrives with little water once established
Deer Resistant
Great for gardens without fencing
Did You Know?
As a legume, it fixes atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic root bacteria, enriching the soil for surrounding plants.
Native Americans used the tough, fibrous roots as a fish poison — the rotenone compound stuns fish without making them unsafe to eat.
The bicolored flowers — creamy yellow on top and rose-pink below — make it one of the most beautiful and underused native wildflowers.
Wildlife Value
🦋
Southern Dogface Butterfly
Larval host; caterpillars feed on legume foliage
🐝
Bumble Bees
Pollinate bicolored pea-like flowers
🐦
Wild Turkey
Eat seeds and forage around nitrogen-fixing plants
Good Companions
🌾 Little Bluestem
🌼 Wild Petunia
💙 Sky Blue Aster
🌸 Hoary Vervain
Planting Guide
- Scarify seeds or use cold stratification before planting.
- Plant in full sun in sandy, well-drained acidic soil.
- Space 18 inches apart; do not transplant (deep taproot).
Heads Up
Deep Roots
Choose a spot carefully; hard to move later
Plant Details
Made with ♥ by Lu Li