Sweet Woodruff

Galium odoratum

Height:
Up to 30cm
Spread:
Infinite
Suitable for:
Shade and most soils but preferably moist, ground cover.
Summary:
Woodruff is a low growing and spreading herbaceous perennial with attractive whorls of leaves up the stems. It flowers in late spring and the delicate flower heads are made up of lots of tiny white florets with a sweet scent.
Sweet Woodruff: Galium odoratum

Sweet woodruff is quick to establish and an ideal ground cover herb for planting under trees and shrubs. Ideally it prefers a moist rich soil but will grow quite happily in the dry shade under trees and in the lee of walls. It spreads by runners in much the same way as mint. The scented white flowers appear in late April or May and it looks pretty flowering with tulips and other late spring bulbs.

The dried foliage has a sweet scent, a cross between newly mown hay and vanilla. The aroma is due to coumarin which becomes stronger as the leaves wilt and dry.

There is much historical folklore surrounding sweet woodruff.

Sweet woodruff is still used today as a room freshener, in pot pourri and scented drawer sachets, where it also acts as an insect repellent. Both the leaves and roots can be used for making dye.

Sweet woodruff is also a culinary herb.

Traditionally it is used in Germany where sprigs of flowers are added to white wine punches to celebrate the festival of May Day. The flowers can be added to all summer drinks and also to salads. Out of the flowering season the crushed sprigs of new leaves can be added to flavour drinks in the same way.

Sweet woodruff vodka is quick and easy to make.

Strawberries and woodruff are in season at the same time and they have a particular affinity with each other, the flavours compliment together beautifully.

This is a lovely dessert for a special summer occasion