Habitat:  In Utah, goatsrue is found in cropland, ditch banks, irrigation waterways, uncut pastures, fence lines, roadways and wet, marshy areas. Goatsrue is also found in established alfalfa fields, where mowing does limit its spread (Evans 1984). The King Co., Washington sites include roadsides, and an open field. The associated species growing with goatsrue in King Co. include reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea), Spirea, blackberries (Rubus spp.)  and purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria).

Geographic Distribution:  Goatsrue is native to central and southern Europe and western Asia.

History:   In 1891, goatsrue was introduced from the Middle East to Utah, where it was tested for three years as livestock forage, or a green manure crop. However, it is unpalatable and toxic (lethal) to sheep. Over the next 86 years, this plant slowly spread to cover a 60 square mile area in Cache County, Utah, where it is primarily found in highline canals and in drainage systems of valley floors.

In 1974 goatsrue was listed as a noxious weed in Utah, with the intent to keep this plant from spreading further in Utah, or into nearby states.

In 1976 goatsrue was the target of an eradication project in Utah (Evans 1984). In 1981 USDA/APHIS targeted goatsrue for eradication, nationwide. An herbarium search found plants from 1890 to 1960, from 10 continental states and Washington D.C. (Evans et al. 1997).  APHIS is working cooperatively with state agencies in Utah for total eradication.  

The Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia recently reported a small infestation.

In Washington State, records indicate that goatsrue was reported from Whatcom Co. in 1921, with no present populations known from that area.  In 1999 this species was noticed and identified in King Co.  Goatsrue is occasionally found for sale as an ornamental plant from nurseries.  It is also found for sale over the Internet, as a medicinal herb.

Growth and Development:   Goatsrue is a perennial legume. The flowers are present from June until the fall frost. The leaves and stems contain the alkaloid galegin, which is toxic to livestock when eaten in quantity. The alkaloid content is highest in the spring. Animals will avoid the plant, which contribute to the establishment and spread in rangeland.

Reproduction:  Spreads by seeds. The seeds drop from the mature seed pods, and are spread primarily by irrigation or flowing waters. Seeds also spread by farm machinery, in animal manure and in contaminated soil movement. Seeds may be viable in the soil for 5-10 years, but testing continues on seed longevity.

Control:  In Utah, an integrated approach, that included landowner education, carefully mapping the infestation, crop rotation, tillage, mowing, digging, hand clipping for seed pod removal and chemicals are used in the battle to eradicate goatsrue. "Massive reproductive crowns" are proving to be difficult to eradicate. Seed banks continue to produce seedlings, annually, in the original infestation area (Evans et al. 1997; Evans 1984). 

Response to Herbicide:  Selective herbicides are considered the most effective for large sites. Be sure to check labels for site specific information on herbicide control before use.

Response to Cultural Methods:  Alternative cropping and row crops are effective. Cultivation interrupts the life cycle of goatsrue.

Response to Mechanical Methods:  Shallow cultivation, mowing, clipping and cutting are not recommended as a solitary control method. Flowers will be produced on very small plants. Seed pods can be clipped and disposed of to help prevent spread by seed in areas of eradication work.

Biocontrol Potentials: None known.

References: 

Bremness, L. 1988. The Complete Book of Herbs. Viking Studio Books. P. 80 and 276.

Crellin, J.K. and J. Philpott. 1990. A Reference Guide to Medicinal Plants. Herbal Medicine Past and Present. Duke University Press. P. 189-191.

Cronquist, A. and A.H. Holmgren, N.H. Holmgren, J.L. Reveal, P.K. Holmgren and R.C. Barneby. 1989. Intermountain Flora. Vascular Plants of the Intermountain West, U.S.A. Volume 3, Part B. The NY Botanical Garden. P. 186-187.

 Evans, J.O. 1984. Goatsrue Eradication. A Realistic Goal. Utah Science. Utah Agric. Exp. Stn. Logan. Spring 1984 V. 45 (1) p. 8-11.

Evans, J.O., C.D. Dalley, and M.R. Larson. 1997. Prospects and Challenges for Goatsrue Eradication. Proceedings, Western Society of Weed Science. Reno. 1997 V. 50, p. 25-26.

Gresham, A.C.J., and K. Booth. 1991. Poisoning of sheep by goat’s rue. Vet. Rec. 129, 197-198.

Keeler, R.F. and D.C. Baker, J.O. Evans. 1988. Individual Animal Susceptibility and its Relationship to Induced Adaption of Tolerance in Sheep to Galega officinalis L. Vet. Hum. Toxicol. 30(5), 420-423.

Patterson, D.T. 1993. Effects of Day and Night Temperatures on Goatsrue (Galega officinalis) and Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) Growth. Weed Science, 1993. Volume 41: 38-45.

Puyt, J.D. et al. 1981. Fatal poisonings of sheep by Galega officinalis. Vet. Hum. Toxicol. 23, 410-411.

Strictly Medicinal. Internet site. http://www.chatlink.com/~herbseed/goatsrue.htm. 9/20/99.

Whitson, T.D. (Ed.), L.C. Burrill, S.A. Dewey, D.W. Cudney, B.E. Nelson, R.D. Lee and R. Parker. 1996, 5^th Edition. Weeds of the West. The Western Society of Weed Science in cooperation with the Western US Land Grant Universities and Cooperative Extension Services. P. 326-327.

 Rationale for Listing:  Goatsrue is a federally listed noxious weed.  Nationwide, its distribution is very limited, and is only known from two sites outside of our recent finds in Washington. The fact that 38,000 acres (60 square miles) of irrigated waterways, cropland, pastures, fence lines, roadways and wet, marshy areas are infested in Utah serve as a guideline, or warning that this species is invasive and difficult to control. Control efforts were started in 1976 in Utah, they have been costly and time consuming.  In 1981 USDA/APHIS began working cooperatively with state agencies for total eradication, nationwide. Goatsrue is still found on the original site in Utah.

By listing this species as a Class A noxious weed, eradication would be required in Washington. We are in the position to prevent impacts to our agricultural lands, our irrigation lands and our natural areas. At this time we have a very limited distribution in King Co. However, this species is considered an ornamental plant and medicinal herb, and it is offered for sale by the nursery industry and over the internet. Education and required eradication should prevent establishment in our state.