Galium odoratum, commonly known as Sweet Woodruff, is a fragrant, mat-forming groundcover prized for its whorled green leaves and delicate white star-shaped flowers in late spring. Native to Europe, this non-native perennial thrives in part to full shade and spreads slowly by creeping roots to form a soft, weed-suppressing carpet. The foliage releases a sweet, hay-like scent when crushed or dried, making it a historic favorite for herbal sachets and natural mulch. Sweet Woodruff is ideal for shaded borders, woodland gardens, or planting beneath trees and shrubs.

Why choose Sweet Woodruff:

• Fragrant groundcover: Whorled foliage and spring blooms create a soft, scented carpet

• Shade-loving: Thrives in part to full shade with moist, well-drained soil

• Elegant bloom: Small white flowers provide early-season interest in woodland settings

Cultivating tips:

• Sun exposure: Best in part to full shade

• Soil needs: Prefers moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil

• Maintenance: Low-maintenance; trim back after bloom to encourage fullness

Designs for your garden:

• Woodland gardens: Pairs well with ferns, hostas, and other shade perennials

• Tree bases and borders: Fills in shaded areas and suppresses weeds naturally

• Pollinator beds: Supports early pollinators when flowering in spring

Ecological considerations:

• Non-native species: Offers minimal ecological benefit to native wildlife

• Use with natives: Best used alongside native groundcovers to boost habitat value

• Well-behaved: Non-invasive and slow spreading under suitable conditions

Looking for native alternatives?

Tiarella cordifolia – Foamflower: A native groundcover with lobed foliage and delicate white spring flowers that thrives in part to full shade.
Phlox divaricata – Wild Blue Phlox: A spring-blooming woodland native with fragrant blue flowers and a spreading habit.
Carex pensylvanica – Pennsylvania Sedge: A fine-textured native sedge that forms soft, grass-like clumps in dry or moist shade.