Syrian Rue
Peganum harmalafam. Zygophyllaceae
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Pl. EF4D — Peganum harmala
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IOverview
Overview
Syrian Rue (Peganum harmala) is a perennial herb native to parts of Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, and China North-Central. This plant thrives in dry, moist environments with light or medium soil, growing up to 0.6 meters tall. Known for its ornamental value and edible seeds, Syrian Rue is also found across various regions including Cyprus, Greece, India, Iran, Iraq, and many more. Its preference for a pH of 7–7.5 makes it adaptable in several climates. One distinctive feature is its light: 9/10 rating, indicating high sensitivity to light conditions.
Quick answers
What is Syrian Rue?
Syrian Rue (Peganum harmala) is a perennial herb native to parts of Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, and China North-Central. This plant thrives in dry, moist environments with light or medium soil, growing up to 0.6 meters tall.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Syrian Rue thrives in light to medium soil with a pH of 7-7.5 and prefers dry to moist conditions. It is hardy in temperate regions (zones 7-10) and grows well as a perennial herb or forb. Provide it with full sun to partial shade, ensuring the soil remains well-drained. Propagate through seeds or division in spring. Regular watering during dry periods will help maintain its health, but be careful not to overwater.
Light
9/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
7-10
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Syrian Rue for the first time
7steps
Start with Syrian Rue as a simple perennial herb in your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, potting soil, containers if starting indoors.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant seeds in spring after the last frost or start them indoors a month before the last frost.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH of 7-7.5. Containers should be at least 10 inches deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Sow seeds 0.25 inches deep, spaced about 6 inches apart. Transplant seedlings when they have two sets of true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide partial shade to avoid scorching.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water sparingly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Prune back after flowering to encourage new growth.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any dead or yellowing leaves to maintain plant health and appearance.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible uses: Oil, Condiment
Other uses:DyeFragranceoilPest control
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe7 regions
native (7)BulgariaCyprusGreeceItalyRomaniaRussiaUkraine
Asia11 regions
native (11)BangladeshChinaIndiaIranIraqKazakhstanKuwaitMongoliaPakistanPalestineSaudi Arabia
Africa3 regions
native (3)EgyptLibyaMorocco
Broader regions
native:East Aegean Is., Kirgizstan, Lebanon-Syria, Sinai
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
2 related
See also
2 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Zygophyllaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Zygophyllaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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