33 Comments

Rue is new to me, but I'm very careful that anything I add to the yard is safe for kids and pets. It is pretty.

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It's fine as long as you don't get the fresh sap on your skin and expose that area to the sun.

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Great information! I haven't grown Rue in at least 20 years but your profile makes me wonder if I shouldn't revisit this botanical friend.

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And there's more to the story. I wanted to keep this post focused on vision. Interesting plant!

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I learn so much from your articles!

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Each one is a learning event for me, too. (I'm sure you know that, as a writer/teacher.)

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How informative. I never knew rue!

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It's a little hard to find in the big-box nurseries, but sometimes you'll see it in early spring, when they get their first couple of shipments in from the growers. Or you can ask at a local nursery.

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I wonder if the saying that one will rue the day also came from the idea of seeing inside. Almost like second sight.

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There's a relationship, but not linguistic (see my reply to Georgeann below). But the two (to rue/regret and the plant rue) were symbolically related by Shakespeare's day. The plant was often placed on the bench in front of the judge--to assist in discernment, (see through? second sight?) as well as to guard against airborne disease.

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Now that’s really intriguing. I’ve lived in Alberta and Ontario since I was 25 so that’s 65 years pretty far north. Sister still in UK had her surgery about 8 years ago, age then 73; brother in Canada but not as long had his three years ago, then 79.

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As with most human biology, genetics also impacts vision. So families need surgery before age 60.

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Yes, an informal survey tells me I’m unusually late in having this surgery.

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Yes, isn't it? I'm sure individual differences take precedence, but that last sentence was pretty substantial: "Data suggest that the probability of cataract surgery in the U.S. increases by 3% for each 1 degree decrease (i.e. more Southerly) in latitude."

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Yet another area needing a lot more research - wouldn’t it be great to come up with a way of preventing this surgery, or at least postponing it. But individual differences must also play a role; my sibs both wore glasses since about 12, but I never needed them - can still read well without help!

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I seem to have added five years to my already noble age! Have lived in then north 60 years, not 65 😂😂

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All the more time to enjoy it! (IOW, you must have been having fun.)

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But of course 😁

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How do you do it, Susan? Yesterday I discovered I need cataract surgery and today here you are with eye info! Always something interesting and apropos 😁

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Well, I'm glad for this bit of cosmic synchronicity. (How does that WORK?? 🙄). But I'm comforted by the thought that you've got a good eye surgeon who will see that you have new eyes! You'll love it. I did.

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It was a bit of a surprise in one way as I only very recently needed glasses for driving - but just about everyone I know in our age range has already had the surgery so I’m a late bloomer.

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A while back I was wondering if latitude might be related to cataract (sunlight). Found this interesting: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7634999/ Have you always lived fairly far north?

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The name immediately made me think of the expression "rue the day." After your reference to Adam, I wondered if the plant and expression could be linked. I attempted an internet search, but did not find a connection.

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Georgeann, the noun rue comes from Middle English reu(e) “pity, someone or something causing sorrow, a disgrace” (herte-reue means “sorrow in one’s heart”). Reu(e) comes from Old English hrēow “sorrow, regret, penitence, repentance,” and is akin to Old Frisian rīowa, Old Dutch rouwe, Dutch rouw, Old High German (h)riuwa, German Reue, all meaning “regret, remorse, repentance.” [dictionary.com]

Rue (the plant) is derived from the Latin, ruta. So the two words are not linguistically related. But because they are homonyms, they have become associated in many different ways over the centuries. There's another whole constellation of meaning involved--and likely another post, maybe next month.

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Susan - thank you for your detailed explanation.

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Well you just answered my question that I just posted. Guess I need to read all the comments before commenting.

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But you connected "rue the day" to second sight/second thought--not in the Georgeann exchange. Lots to unpack here--whole constellation of separate but related meaning. 🧐

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Let's hear it for Rue! Aside from herbal/medicinal properties it is just a nice plant to add to one's garden or border. It is pretty even before blooming with delicate teal-green foliage and it has nice habits, in that it stays put and does not try to spread itself around. Deer and rabbits stay clear of it which is also a big plus. As with many herbs it is not fussy about soil and tends to thrive on neglect. A location with part sun/part shade and nestled in with a few other plants and bulbs is perfect.

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Good description. Also can be easily trimmed down to a green border--especially good because. as you say, bunnies don't like it.

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Susan, I love this post. As a woman who uses herbs for medicinal purposes and cooking, I appreciated this history of Rue and it's mystical properties. Thank you for this.

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Rue is one of those plants that has a large suite of meanings, persistent through millennia and cultures. Wonderful to think with (as an anthropologist friend once said of frogs).

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Thank you for the interesting article about Rue. I like the looks of the tidy plant. I will have to plant one in my herb garden next year. You know I am loving these articles. I am also looking forward to seeing what you and Ruby have for us.

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It's hard to keep up with Ruby--she's off in so many directions. But I like what she's doing here. We'll have to see if it works for readers! (Always a big question.)

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