Goat-rue facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Goat-rue |
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Tephrosia
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T. virginiana
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| Tephrosia virginiana |
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Tephrosia virginiana, also known as goat-rue or Virginia tephrosia, is a type of plant that lives for many years. It is part of the pea family, Fabaceae. This plant is a small subshrub (a plant that is partly woody and partly soft-stemmed). It grows in many parts of the United States, including the Midwest, New England, and the Southeast.
About Goat-Rue
Goat-rue is a unique plant with several common names. People also call it goat's rue, catgut, and rabbit pea. It is known for its pretty flowers and soft, silvery look.
What It Looks Like
Goat-rue has special leaves that are made up of many smaller leaflets. These leaves are called compound leaves. They are arranged in a way that looks like a feather. The plant has a soft, fuzzy feel all over, which makes it look silvery or dusty white. This fuzzy texture is due to tiny hairs called trichomes.
The flowers of the goat-rue are very colorful. They grow in tight bunches at the end of the stems. You can see cream-colored and deep pink flowers blooming from May to August.
Where It Grows
This plant likes to grow in soil that is a bit acidic. It prefers places where it can get some sun or even full sun. You can find goat-rue in different natural areas like:
- Sandy savannas (grassy areas with scattered trees)
- Open woods and clearings
- Prairies (large open grasslands)
- Rocky soils
It is not easy to grow new goat-rue plants from seeds or cuttings. This means it can be tricky to find and plant in gardens.
Important Safety Note
It is very important to know that all parts of the goat-rue plant are toxic. This means they contain natural chemicals that can be harmful if eaten. People and animals, like farm animals, should never eat this plant.
In the past, some people used crushed stems of this plant to help catch fish. They would put the crushed plant into water, which would stun the fish, making them easier to catch. However, this practice is not safe and should not be tried. Always remember to be careful around plants in nature and never eat anything unless an adult tells you it is safe.
