Ruta graveolens, commonly known as rue, common rue or herb-of-grace, is a species of Ruta grown as an ornamental plant and herb. It is native to the Balkan Peninsula. It is grown throughout the world in gardens, especially for its bluish leaves, and sometimes for its tolerance of hot and dry soil conditions. It is also cultivated as a culinary herb, and to a lesser extent as an insect repellent and incense. It is easy to grow, drought tolerant, needs full or partial sun. It grows in most areas to 30F and is heat tolerant. Below are anectodotial writings about the facinating and unusual plant: Ruta graveolens is known as Rue. R. graveolens extracts and essential oil are important areas in drug development with numerous pharmacological activities in many countries. For a long time R. graveolens has been used in traditional medicines for the relief of pain, eye problems, rheumatism and dermatitis. R. graveolens has recently been shown to have antibacterial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and insecticidal activities. Rutin, quercetin, psoralen, methoxypsoralen, rutacridone, rutacridone epoxide and gravacridondiol are phytochemical compounds which are reported from this plant. ?-Pinene, limonene and 1,8-cineole were identified as the main monoterpene constituents for R. graveolens essential oil. Due to the easy collection of the plant and being widespread and also remarkable biological activities, this plant has become medicine in many countries especially in Mediterranean region.