Galium odoratum syn. Asperula odorata
Sweet woodruff
Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Galium odoratum syn. Asperula odorata.
Plant photos
2 photos · Select to enlarge
Young shoots and leaves of Galium odoratum.
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo details
Resized and converted to WebP. No content edits.
Source: File:Galium odoratum kz05.jpg
Reviewed . Source identification, photograph and license reviewed. The image illustrates the named plant; it does not verify dimensions or other plant traits.
Flowers of Galium odoratum.
Björn Traeger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo details
Resized and converted to WebP. No content edits.
Source: File:Galium odoratum Flower.JPG
Reviewed . Source identification, photograph and license reviewed. The image illustrates the named plant; it does not verify dimensions or other plant traits.
Common names
3 names · 3 languages- EnglishYour language
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- Sweet woodruff
Other languages (2)
- Dutch
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- Lievevrouwebedstro
- French
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- Aspérule odorante
Sources & name notes
Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.
General information
Accepted in the cited taxonomic treatment. Botanical references may use alternative names.
Sources [1]Plant characteristics
Growing conditions
Moist, Well-drained
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Shade, Partial shade
Uses
Leaves, Flowers, Condiment, Tea, Sap
Dye, Repellent, Ground cover
Description
Leaves can be consumed both raw and cooked. They have a scent reminiscent of freshly cut grass due to the presence of coumarin. These leaves are often used as a flavoring in drinks or added to fruit salads. In Alsace, the leaves are soaked in white wine to make 'Maitrank', an aromatic tonic drink. A delightful and fragrant tea can be made from the green-dried leaves and flowers. The slightly withered leaves give the tea a fresh, grassy flavor. The flowers, which also have a pleasant fragrance, can be eaten or used as a garnish.
Harvest
Sources and references
References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.
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Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
Relevant sections
- Taxonomy: WCVP version 16, wcvp_names.csv: Galium odoratum (L.) Scop., name ID 87028, row 1023807; Asperula odorata L., name ID 17003, row 1023810
- Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 1022865; name ID 85562; Galium L.. Family column.
Source checked on .
Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.