Sweet woodruff - Galium odoratum (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Sweet woodruff

Also known as: Wild baby's breath

Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) is a perennial herb that grows from 15 to 30 cm tall. Popular for its fragrant leaves and lacy, star-shaped flowers that blossom in spring and summer. It prefers shady locations and makes an excellent ground cover under trees and other shaded conditions. Thrives in moist, well-drained soil.

Scientific classification

Species

Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum)

Gentians, dogbanes, madders, and allies

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Weeds

Weed or not

Perennial, Annual

Lifespan

30 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

4 mm to 7 mm

Flower Size

Brown

Fruit Color

White

Flower Color

Green, White

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Sweet woodruff

Distribution of Sweet woodruff

Distribution Map

Sweet woodruff is a plant that is naturally distributed across a wide range of temperate regions in Europe and Asia. It is native to areas including the forests of Central and Northern Europe, as well as parts of Asia Minor and the Caucasus. Its range extends from Western Europe through to Northern Asia. Additionally, sweet woodruff has been introduced and cultivated in various other parts of the world.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Woodland, shady areas, beech woods

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Sweet woodruff is a popular perennial prized for its green foliage and small white flowers. It is commonly used as a ground cover and is essential in shade and woodland gardens. Plant it with Japanese forest grass, lamium, and various species of foam flowers for texture and contrasting foliage.

Symbolism

Humility

Name Story

Sweet woodruff: The specific epithet odoratum suggests that the plant is strongly scented in which the sweet scent comes from the coumarin compound. Also, i is widely cultivated for its flowers and its sweet-smelling foliage. Therefore, it is called sweet woodruff.

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Toxicity

Sweet woodruff is toxic due to coumarin in all parts of the plant. Symptoms range from mild headaches and dizziness to severe internal bleeding and liver damage. People may consume coumarin in alcohol and candy or anticoagulant drugs. Pregnant or lactating women should avoid sweet woodruff.

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Quickly Identify Sweet woodruff

White star-shaped flowers in loose clusters, 0.2 inches (5 mm) wide, emit a sweet fragrance.

Distinctive twin-lobed schizocarp fruit, <0.16 inches (4 mm), covered in hooked bristles.

Linear to lanceolate green leaves in whorls, 3/4-2 inches (2-5 cm), emit aromatic scent when crushed.

Thin, weak green stems, 1/8 inch (3 mm) diameter, sprawling and climbing habit with flexible stems.

Robust herbaceous perennial, 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) height, spreading up to 2 feet (60 cm) wide.

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Care Guide for Sweet woodruff

Every week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Sweet woodruff thrives in temperate climates with consistent humidity, benefiting from weekly watering. This herbaceous perennial prefers moist soil and is ideal for shaded indoor spaces or as ground cover outdoors in cooler areas. Regular rain or efficient irrigation helps sweet woodruff flourish.

Fertilize: For sweet woodruff, use a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer sparingly in spring to enhance growth and blooms. Adjust feeding based on growth stages and water the soil post-fertilization. Over-fertilization can harm vigor, while seasonal care is essential for thriving sweet woodruff.

Pruning: Sweet woodruff features fragrant, star-shaped white flowers and vibrant green leaves. Prune in early to late spring post-flowering to encourage growth, maintain shape, and enhance air circulation. Use clean, sharp tools for pruning to prevent infections and improve the plant's ornamental value.

Propagation: Propagate sweet woodruff in Spring by sowing. While moderately tricky, it shows vibrant green foliage with success. Ensure consistent moisture and provide partial shade for optimal growth during propagation.

Repotting: Repot sweet woodruff every 2-3 years in spring, using a shallow, wide pot for its spreading roots. After repotting, keep the soil moist and provide partial shade. Regular watering aids sweet woodruff's recovery and encourages lush growth in its container.

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