That’s because they’re rich in coumarin, an aromatic organic chemical compound.ĭespite the “sweet” in its name, the plant is not strikingly fragrant … well, at least not in the garden. The flowers do as well, but to a lesser degree. The botanical name Galium odoratum comes from the Greek gala (milk), as certain species of bedstraw were once used to curdle milk, while odoratum, from Latin, obviously refers its attractive yet rather unusual scent: the leaves, stems and rhizomes smell of freshly mown hay. It has sometimes escaped from culture in the United States and Canada, although only very locally. Origin: Sweet woodruff is a small herbaceous perennial found in shady or humid environments throughout temperate Eurasia from Spain and Ireland to Japan, and also Algeria. This map shows the various countries where sweet woodruff grows naturally. Even in my local garden center, it’s still sold in the herb section … much, I’m sure, to the surprise of many gardeners who would have no idea of how to use it for herbal purposes. Previous generations knew it better as a culinary and medicinal herb. However, its use as an ornamental ground cover remains relatively recent. And that sprinkling of tiny white flowers is just sublime. I just love the way it forms a nice uniform carpet even in the most shaded areas and stays green until the snow hits. One of my favorite ground covers is sweet woodruff. Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 2 to 8, AgCan zones 3 to 8 Sweet woodruff blooms breach two seasons: spring and summer. Soil: any soil acid to alkaline, preferably moist Spacing for Groundcover Use: 10 inches (25 cm)Įxposure: partial shade, shade sun in cooler summer areas Height: 6 to 8 inches (15–20 cm), occasionally 1 foot (30 cm) Asperula odorataĬommon names: sweet woodruff, sweet-scented bedstraw, fragrant bedstraw, wild baby’s breath, master of the woods
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