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.