
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 |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Zone: | 4 - 8 |
| Deer Resistant: | Yes |
| Salt Tolerant: | No |
| 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 |