Goats rue (Tephrosia virginiana)

​Goat’s Rue is a striking, shrub like native perennial known for its distinctive bicolored flowers and feathery foliage. Reaching 1 to 2 feet, it produces dense clusters of pea-like blossoms featuring a mix of lemon-yellow and vivid pink petals. The entire plant is covered in fine, silky hairs, giving the compound leaves a soft, grey-green appearance. This species is a specialist of "tough" sites, naturally occurring in dry, sandy, or rocky barrens where its deep taproot allows it to thrive in drought conditions. Its seeds are also high value food for wildlife.