Goatsrue
Galega officinalis
Washington State Classification
Class A — Eradication Required Statewide
Goatsrue is a federally listed noxious weed.
Quick Reference
Identification
Growth Habit
Goatsrue is an herbaceous perennial growing up to 6 feet tall with many stems from a vigorous crown and deep taproot. Leaves are alternate and compound on stems. Clusters of bluish lilac, reddish purple or white flowers develop pods with 8 seeds.
Leaves
The leaves are alternate and compound with a terminal leaflet and 6 to 10 pairs of leaflets. The tip of each leaflet has a small hair-like appendage.
Flowers
The flowers are pea-like and white to bluish lilac to reddish purple. They are found at the end of stems or in leaf axils.
Fruit & Seeds
Pods contain up to 9 mustard colored, oblong seeds. Each plant can produce 15,000 pods or more.
Impact
Goatsrue is a federally listed noxious weed. It is capable of forming monocultures in wetland communities, displacing native and beneficial plants and destroying wildlife habitat. It is unpalatable and toxic to sheep. Goatsrue is fatal if ingested.
Ecology & Spread
Habitat
It grows in cropland, ditch banks, irrigation waterways, uncut pastures, fence lines, roadsides and wet marshy areas. Please click here to see a county level distribution map of goatsrue in Washington.
Spread Mechanisms
Reproduction
Goatsrue reproduces by seed.
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Control Methods
Mechanical
- Mowing is not recommended as a solitary control method as flowers and seeds can be produced on plants after multiple cuttings.