Sweet Woodruff - Galium odoratum

Attractive, low, spreading ground cover or pathway edging for shady gardens and woodland settings that spreads quickly with rich soil and ample moisture. Leaves and stems have a vanilla-like fragrance when dried. Blooms in early Spring to Summer with dainty white flowers. An herbaceous perennial.

Height: 3 to 12 inches. Ground cover

Culture: Prefers light shade and well-drained soil with a yearly application of well-rotted manure or compost in the fall

Hardiness: Cold hardy to USDA Zone 5 - 9

Bloom: Early Spring.

ABOUT SWEET WOODRUFF

An often forgotten herb, sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) can be a valuable addition to the garden, particularly shade gardens. Sweet woodruff herb was originally grown for the fresh smell the leaves give off and was used as a type of air freshener. It also has some medicinal uses, though as always you should check with a doctor before using any medical herb. It is also an edible plant that is said to taste somewhat of vanilla. Today, sweet woodruff is most commonly used as a ground cover in shady areas. Sweet woodruff ground cover, with its star-shaped whorls of leaves and lacy white flowers, can add interesting texture and spark to a deeply shaded part of the garden. Sweet woodruff care is easy and taking the time to plant sweet woodruff is well worth the effort.

In Germany, Sweet Woodruff is one of the ingredients in May wine, a traditional wine made to celebrate the Spring season. Sweet Woodruff also has medicinal value. When brewed into a tea, Sweet Woodruff aids in digestion and is a natural remedy for insomnia. The plant contains sedative, antispasmodic and laxative properties that have been appreciated in traditional medicine for centuries.

Fragrant ground covers are a wonderful addition to any garden. Try planting Sweet Woodruff along with other low light covers such as Catmint and Fever few.