Sweet Woodruff is the common name of Galium odoratum species, from Rubiaceae family.
Also known as: new mowed hay, master of the woods, wild baby's breath.
Flowering sweet woodruff
Image credit: Hunda
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Features of Sweet Woodruff
Height to 18 inches. Zone 3-9. Herbaceous perennial
thin stem.
creeping root.
lance-shaped leaf.
clustered, scented, small, star-shaped, white flower in spring.
Growing Sweet Woodruff
- by root cutting during summer. Easy to propagate from a little bit of its creeping rootstock, cut after flowering period in summer.
- by seed during summer and autumn. Sow fresh ripe seeds. Require stratification to germinate.
- transplant: 9 inches apart.
Also known as wild baby's breath, sweet woodruff contains the chemical compound coumarin, giving it a sweet scent described as freshly cut hay.
The scent is even more pronounced when the herb is dried, making it popular for garlands, potpourri and stuffing for mattresses and pillows.
Sweet Woodruff is also widely used in Germany as a flavoring agent for food,
being added to wine, beer, sausages and jam.
Using Sweet Woodruff
Culinary
Drink
Add flavour to cold drinks and cocktails. (Use leaf)
Decorative
Decorative
Use in wreaths and garlands. (Use flower, stem)
Household
Fragrance
Add dried leaves to potpourri. (Use leaf)
Repellent
Dried leaves repel insect. Put into sachets or under carpet. (Use leaf)
Medicinal
Tea
A tea for nervousness and insomnia. It is also a health tonic, and may be helpful for digestive and urinary disorders. (Use leaf)
Traditional Remedies
- Digestive » stomach ache
- Mood » restlessness, insomnia, tension
- Disorder » urinary problems, liver problems
Traditional remedies may or may not be supported by scientific evidences.
Cautions
- Please consult with your doctor before using sweet woodruff for health related purposes.
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