Plant Details

Galium odoratum syn. Asperula odorata

Sweet woodruff

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Galium odoratum syn. Asperula odorata.

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Common names

3 names · 3 languages
EnglishYour language
  • Sweet woodruff
Other languages (2)
Dutch
  • Lievevrouwebedstro
French
  • Aspérule odorante
Sources & name notes

Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

General information

Scientific name: Galium odoratum syn. Asperula odorata
Accepted name (Kew): Galium odoratum View name reference ↗

Accepted in the cited taxonomic treatment. Botanical references may use alternative names.

Sources [1]
Botanical family: Rubiaceae

Kew's family placement for the genus Galium (WCVP v16).

Sources [1]
Also known as: Sweet woodruff

Plant characteristics

Layer: Herbaceous, Ground cover
Catalogue size class: Small
Height: 0.20 m
Spread: 0.50 m
Growth rate: Moderate
Foliage: None

Growing conditions

USDA hardiness: 5-9
Soil moisture:
Moist, Well-drained
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Shade, Partial shade

Uses

Edible parts:
Leaves, Flowers, Condiment, Tea, Sap
Edibility rating:
(3)
Medicinal rating:
(3)
Functions:
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

Harvest starts: 15/05
Harvest ends: 30/06

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
    Supports: TaxonomyBotanical family
    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.