Galium odoratum, commonly known as sweet woodruff or woodruff, is a fragrant, shade-loving perennial native to Europe and western Asia. It forms a low, spreading mat of bright green, lance-shaped leaves arranged in whorls around slender stems, creating a lush carpet of foliage that remains attractive throughout the growing season. In late spring to early summer, it produces clusters of small, white, star-shaped flowers that add a delicate charm to woodland gardens and shaded borders. The leaves release a sweet, hay-like scent when dried.
Thriving in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soils and partial to full shade, this plant is excellent for naturalizing under trees, around shrubs, or in other cool, shaded areas. It spreads gently by creeping rhizomes, forming an elegant ground cover that suppresses weeds while requiring minimal maintenance. With its fragrant foliage, graceful blooms, and adaptability to shaded environments, Galium odoratum is both ornamental and historically significant, embodying a timeless charm in garden design.