Galium odoratum Sweet woodruff (Rubiaceae)

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Galium odoratum
Sweet woodruff
(1 Page of 5)

The Galium odoratum plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Rubiaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Sweet woodruff. Some home gardeners know the variety as Asperula odorata.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Galium odoratum
Common Name:  Sweet woodruff
Family:  Rubiaceae
Author:  (L.)Scop.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  0.15   Mature Width:  0.45

Habitat:  Woodland and shady areas[4, 14] on damp calcareous and base rich soils[17].

Cultivation Notes: Prefers a loose moist leafy soil in some shade[200]. Tolerates dry soils but the leaves quickly become scorched when growing in full sun[200]. This species does not thrive in a hot climate[200]. Prefers a moist calcareous soil[9, 13, 14]. Dislikes very acid soils[187]. Tolerates a pH in the range 4.3 to 8.3. This species is very tolerant of atmospheric pollution and grows well in towns[208]. A very cold-hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -25°c[187]. Sweet woodruff is occasionally cultivated in the herb garden for its medicinal and other uses. The dried foliage has the sweet scent of newly mown hay[245]. A very ornamental plant[1] but it spreads rapidly[28] and can be invasive[200]. However, this is rarely to the detriment of other plants since these are normally able to grow through it[200]. It does no harm to any plants more than 60cm tall[208].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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