Sweet woodruff Galium odoratum
Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) is a deciduous perennial groundcover in the Rubiaceae family, native to Europe, North Africa and western Asia (woodland). It grows 15–30 cm (6–12 in) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -34 °C (-29 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan Sweet woodruff in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Sweet woodruff at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Mature height | 15–30 cm (6–12 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 2 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -34 °C (-29 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: leaves (flavouring, wilted) |
| Native to | Europe, North Africa and western Asia (woodland) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Sweet woodruff toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: leaves
Coumarin in the dried leaves can cause headaches and, in large amounts, liver effects; use only as a minor flavouring.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Sweet woodruff
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and moderate water.
See Sweet woodruff in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Jardin botanique de Montréal (8 plants)
Questions about Sweet woodruff
- How far apart should I plant Sweet woodruff?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Sweet woodruff need full sun?
- Shade: at least 2 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Sweet woodruff need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Sweet woodruff?
- It tolerates about -34 °C (-29 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Sweet woodruff flower?
- From about May for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Sweet woodruff poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Coumarin in the dried leaves can cause headaches and, in large amounts, liver effects; use only as a minor flavouring.
- What grows well with Sweet woodruff?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Sweet woodruff. Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Spreads by rhizomes in moist shade and can form large patches; semi-deciduous in cold winters.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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