Goat's Rue
Tephrosia virginiana
Last reviewed: August 2026
Tephrosia virginiana (Catgut) is a native wildflower found across eastern and central United States that blooms pink to purple flowers from June through August. This drought-tolerant perennial attracts bees and butterflies in sunny locations.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, CT, FL and 26 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Deer
Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)
Before you buy
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Catgut is a low-growing native legume with attractive compound leaves and showy clusters of pink and white pea-like flowers. This drought-tolerant perennial forms neat clumps and blooms throughout summer, making it a reliable choice for sunny, well-drained areas.
Growing Goat's Rue
Grow Goat's Rue in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Goat's Rue takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Unfamiliar appearance may be perceived as weedy
- Can look sparse or unkempt when not in bloom
- Name 'Catgut' may raise concerns among neighbors
Wildlife value
Host plant for silver-spotted skipper, wild indigo duskywing.
The flowers attract native bees and butterflies, while the plant serves as a host for several butterfly species including skippers.
Common questions
- When does Tephrosia virginiana bloom?
- Catgut blooms from June through August, producing clusters of pink to purple pea-like flowers that attract pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Tephrosia virginiana?
- Catgut flowers attract various bees and butterflies during its summer blooming period. The plant serves as an important nectar source for native pollinators.
- Where is Tephrosia virginiana native?
- Catgut is native to much of the eastern and central United States, from Maine south to Florida and west to Texas, Minnesota, and Kansas.
- What growing conditions does Tephrosia virginiana prefer?
- Catgut thrives in full sun to partial sun with well-drained soils. It is drought tolerant once established and performs well in sandy or rocky soils.
- Is Goat's Rue HOA-friendly?
- Goat's Rue takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
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