Galium odoratum

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

Height

6-12"

Width

6-10'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Shade, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Spring, Summer

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Attracts

Bees, Butterflies

Soil

Loamy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Groundcover

Shape

Ground Cover, Wide Spreading

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No