Galium odoratum, commonly called sweet woodruff, is a mat-forming perennial that is most often grown as a ground cover in shady areas. Plants typically grow 8-12" tall and feature fragrant, lance-shaped, dark green leaves in whorls of 6-8 along square stems. Small, fragrant, 4-petaled, white flowers appear in loose cymes in spring. Plants emit a strong odor of freshly mown hay when foliage is crushed or cut. Aromatic intensity of the foliage increases when dried, thus dried leaves are popularly used in sachets or potpourris. Plants have also been used commercially in perfumes. Type: Perennial Zone: 4 to 8 Height: 0.50 to 1.00 feet Spread: 0.75 to 1.50 feet Bloom Time: April to May Bloom Description: White Sun: Part shade to full shade Water: Medium to wet Maintenance: Low Suggested Use: Ground Cover, Herb, Naturalize Flower: Showy, Fragrant, Good Dried Leaf: Fragrant Tolerate: Heavy Shade, Black Walnut
