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Galium odoratum

Common Name: Sweet Woodruff

Galium odoratum — commonly called Sweet Woodruff — is a low-growing, spreading perennial groundcover valued for its delicate foliage, fragrant flowers, and ability to thrive in shade. It forms a dense carpet of bright green, whorled leaves that create a soft, textured appearance. In spring, clusters of small, star-shaped white flowers rise above the foliage, adding a light, airy effect. The foliage releases a sweet, hay-like fragrance when crushed or dried.

Mature Size:
Width: Spreading indefinitely (forms colonies)
Height: 6–12 in

USDA Zones: 4a–8b
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained, rich soils
Water: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture

Wildlife: Attracts bees and beneficial insects; deer resistant

Features & Landscape Uses:
Form: Low, spreading groundcover with a soft, carpet-like habit
Delicate white flowers provide spring interest
Fragrant foliage, especially when dried
Excellent for woodland gardens, underplanting, and shaded areas
Effective for erosion control and naturalizing

Maintenance:
Low maintenance; can spread readily in ideal conditions
Cut back after flowering if needed to control spread
Divide or thin to manage colonies

Plant Type:	Perennial
Width:	6-10'
Height:	6-12"
Fragrant:	Yes
Fruit:	Not verified
Growth Rate	Fast
Zone:	4–8
Deer Resistant:	Yes
Salt Tolerant:	Not verified
Drought Tolerant:	No
Attract:	Butterflies, Bees
Exposure:	Partial Shade, Full Shade
Bloom Time:	Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer
Landscape/Use:	Groundcover
Shape:	Wide Spreading, Ground Cover
Soil Type	Loamy, Well Drained
Flower Color:	White
Leaf Color:	Green
Fall Color:	Green