Sweet woodruff
Galium odoratum

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A small plant which keeps growing from year to year. It grows 45 cm high and spreads 90 cm wide. The stems are square in cross section. All parts of the plant have an odour. The leaves are narrow and stiff. They are slightly prickly. They are 5 cm long. They occur in neat rings of 6 to 8. The flowers are small and white. They are 35 mm across. They have a sweet scent.

There are about 300 Galium species. There are 60 species in tropical America.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. In China it grows in mountain forests between 1,500-2,800 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 3-9. In Hobart Botanical gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Austria, Balkans, Bosnia, Britain, Canada, Caucasus, China, Czech Republic, Europe, Germany, Hungary, Iran, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Middle East, Netherlands, North Africa, North America, Norway, Russia, Scandinavia, Siberia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tasmania, Turkey,Türkiye, USA

How it is used for food

The dried flowers are used for flavouring. They are used in drinks. Dried leaves are used as a tea substitute. The leaves can be used as flavouring in cooked apple dishes and other dishes.

Edible parts

Flowers, leaves - tea, herb, spice

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Dišeča lakota, Lazarkinja, Lievevrouwebedstro, Myske, Szagos muge, Waldmeister

Synonyms

Asperula eugeniae K. Richt.; Asperula odorata L; and others