Goat’s Rue (Tephrosia virginiana) – A Resilient Native Legume
Goat’s Rue is a perennial wildflower native to North American prairies, woodlands, and sandy soils. As a member of the pea family (Fabaceae), it plays an important ecological role by fixing nitrogen in the soil. It is known for its delicate pink and yellow pea-like flowers, fine-textured foliage, and drought tolerance.
Flowers: Small, pea-like flowers with soft pink upper petals and pale yellow lower petals. Blooms from late spring to early summer. Flowers form in loose clusters on upright stems.
Height & Spread: Grows 1 to 3 feet tall with a bushy, spreading growth habit. Typically forms small clumps rather than spreading aggressively.
Leaves: Compound, feathery leaves composed of narrow, lance-shaped leaflets. Leaves are silvery-green with a soft, slightly hairy texture.
Stem & Growth Habit: Slender, upright stems that branch outward. Can thrive in nutrient-poor, dry soils due to its ability to fix nitrogen.
Habitat & Range: Found in dry prairies, sandy woodlands, open fields, and rocky slopes across eastern and central North America. Prefers well-drained, sandy, or rocky soils and can tolerate drought. Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Pollinators & Wildlife: Major nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Deer-resistant due to its bitter-tasting foliage.
Soil-Improving Plant: As a legume, Goat’s Rue fixes nitrogen in the soil, improving fertility for surrounding plants. Often used in prairie restorations and erosion control projects.
Drought & Poor Soil Tolerance: Well adapted to dry, sandy, and rocky environments where few other plants thrive. Deep roots allow it to survive extended dry periods.
Unique Floral Display: Unlike most wildflowers, Goat’s Rue produces two-toned pink and yellow flowers, making it a standout among prairie plants.
Growing Goat’s Rue: Best for native gardens, prairie restorations, and dry, sandy landscapes. Thrives in full sun to partial shade but prefers well-drained soils. Highly drought-tolerant once established. Non-aggressive and will not overtake other plants.
