Flower Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| English Name | Sweet Woodruff |
| MainColor | White |
| PlantType |  Herb |
| Growth Type |  Cultivated |
| Season | May |
| ImageUrl | Galium-004 |
| Photographer | DP |
| Location | Abbotsbury |
| Human Toxicity |  Mildly_Toxic |
Flower Details
Description
Sweet Woodruff is a low-growing perennial with whorls of lance-shaped leaves and small, white, star-shaped flowers. It emits a sweet, hay-like fragrance, particularly when dried, due to the presence of coumarin. The plant typically reaches a height of 15–30 cm and spreads via creeping rhizomes.
Distribution
Native to Europe and parts of Asia, it thrives in woodlands, shaded areas, and damp, well-drained soils. It has been introduced to North America where it is often used as a ground cover.
Medicinal/Other Uses
✅ Traditionally used in herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. It is also used to flavour beverages, particularly in Germany.
Edibility
Edible - leaves are used to flavour wines and desserts, particularly in Germany's 'Maibowle'.
Human Toxicity
Mildly Toxic - large quantities may cause headaches or liver damage due to coumarin content.
Pet Toxicity
Mildly Toxic to dogs and cats - ingestion can lead to vomiting and diarrhoea due to coumarin.
Active Compounds
Coumarin, asperuloside, tannins.