Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum): The Fragrant Carpet of Shade

Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum), also called Our Lady's Lace or Sweetscented Bedstraw, is a delicate-looking but tough perennial that forms a fragrant, emerald carpet in deciduous shade. Its whorled leaves and starry white flowers evoke a woodland fairy tale.

Scent & Beauty

Leaves are arranged in whorls of 6–8 along square stems, forming loose mats 6–12 inches tall. When crushed or dried, they release a sweet, hay-like fragrance (coumarin)—traditionally used in May wine, potpourri, and sachets. In mid-spring, loose clusters of tiny, four-petaled white stars bloom above the foliage.

Classification & Synonyms

• Family: Rubiaceae
• Genus: Galium
• Species: odoratum
• Synonym: Asperula odorata

Culture & Uses

Prefers moist, humus-rich, acidic soil in part to full shade. Spreads steadily by rhizomes and self-seeding—can naturalize beautifully. Dies back in winter (zone 4+). Deer and rabbit resistant. Perfect under deciduous trees, in woodland gardens, and along shaded paths. A fragrant, low-maintenance groundcover.