Also known as sweetscented bedstraw, this herbaceous perennial is native to Europe, Asia and northern Africa. It is a member of the coffee family, Rubiaceae, that also includes gardenia and Pentas. Plants grow 6-12″ high and have slender, weak green stems carrying whorls of 6-9 lance-shaped, dark green leaves that are 3/4 to 2″ long. When crushed or cut the leaves emit a scent like freshy mown hay. In spring, cymes of small, white, 4-petaled flowers appear well above the foliage and are followed by round, 1″ wide fruits covered with hooked bristles. The leaves are an ingredient in May wine, and when dried are used in sachets or potpourris. Sweet woodruff is a good choice for rock, herb, and shade gardens where it can be used as a groundcover. The genus name, Galium, is from the Greek word γάλα (gala) meaning milk, and refers to the use of one species in cheese making. The specific epithet, odoratum, is the Latin word meaning fragrant and refers the aromatic quality of the leaves.
Type: Herbaceous perennial.
Bloom: Small white flowers borne in loose cymes above fine textured dark green foliage in April-May.
Size: 6”-12” H; spreads quickly to 1-2′ W.
Light: Part shade to full shade; leaves will scorch in full sun.
Soil: Average, moist, well-drained, acidic
Hardiness: Zones 4-8
Care: Can be mowed if it grows where it is not wanted.
Pests and Diseases: None of significance
Propagation: Division of roots; seeds.
Companion plants: Woodland Phlox, Lady’s Mantle, Brunnera, Bleeding Heart, Fringed Bleeding Heart, small hostas, Tiarella; nice under azaleas and rhododendron and with spring flowering bulbs and wildflowers.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Karen