So, who's grown Tephrosia virginiana...aka goat's rue? This little-known, native baptisia relative can be found in acidic sandy soils from Wisconsin, south to Florida, and west to Texas, yet few people have grown it in their gardens. We have long been enchanted with Tephrosia virginiana after seeing it in the NC Sandhills years earlier. We are pleased to offer this again from our own garden seed, NC origin. The 18" tall x 3' wide clumps are composed of upright stalks, clothed with pinnate foliage and adorned, starting in mid-May (NC), with clusters of flowers with creamy yellow pouches, accented by a hot-fuchsia-pink lower lip...so cool. We find Tephrosia virginiana quite easy to grow when planted in a hot, well-drained site. Goat's rue also has quite a history of medicinal use; as a diuretic, a root tea for strengthening children, a tuberculosis treatment, for male sexual dysfunction, bladder issues, rheumatism, and now treating cancer. How can you not afford to grow Tephrosia virginiana? Watch our Plant Spotlight video for more information.
