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sweet woodruff

Galium odoratum

Galium odoratum

syn. Asperula odorata

Sweet Woodruff is an easy care perennial that quick spreads to form an attractive and durable ground cover. Bright green leaves are arranged in a whorl on short, creeping stems. Scented white blossoms are lovely in the late spring garden. Dried leaves are often used in potpourri as they give off a pleasant grassy, vanilla aroma.

Undemanding but happiest in moist, shady areas. Deer and rabbit resistant.

Fun Fact: German wine makers use the spring flowers to flavor young riesling, called Maiwein (May Wine)

Zones: 4 to 7
Family: Rubiaceae
Type: Perennial
Height: 6 to 12 in.
Spread: 9 to 18 in.
Exposure: part-shade, bright full shade, light shade
Soil Conditions: average
Bloom Time: May to June
Bloom Color: White
Native Range: Europe and North Africa

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  • Special Characteristics:

    • Clay tolerant
    • Juglone tolerant
    • Groundcover
  • Image Credits:

    Image 1 (blooms) Photo by David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
    Image 2 (foliage) Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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