Galium odoratum

Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with its nectar-rich white flowers

Dense mats provide cover for small invertebrates and beneficial insects

Spring: fresh green foliage emerges, followed by white flowers in late spring

Summer: flowers fade; foliage continues as lush groundcover

Fall: foliage remains green until frost, then yellows or dies back

Winter: dormant in colder climates; semi-evergreen in mild regions

– Shade groundcover, woodland gardens, underplanting bulbs, cottage gardens, fragrant dried foliage for crafts and potpourri

Whorls of lance-shaped, bright green leaves arranged in star-like patterns around stems

Leaves release a sweet, hay-like fragrance when crushed or dried

Forms dense carpets of fine-textured foliage

Small, star-shaped, pure white flowers bloom in loose clusters

Bloom time is late spring to early summer

Creates a delicate, frothy effect above foliage

Plant in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil enriched with compost or leaf mold

Best planted in spring or early fall for root establishment before heat or frost

Space plants 12–18 inches apart; spreads by stolons to form dense groundcover

Plant crown at soil level; water thoroughly after planting

Mulch lightly with leaf mold or shredded bark to maintain moisture and suppress weeds

• After flowering in late spring, shear plants back by one-third to encourage fresh foliage
  
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  Remove yellowed or damaged leaves to keep the groundcover tidy
  
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  Invasive in some conditions, so trim runners to contain spread
  

Prefers evenly moist soil; water regularly during establishment

Once established, moderately drought tolerant in shade, but prefers consistent moisture

Avoid prolonged dryness, which causes foliage to yellow

Thrives in partial to full shade; ideal under deciduous trees or in woodland gardens

Can tolerate morning sun in cooler regions if soil is consistently moist

Avoid hot, direct afternoon sun which scorches delicate leaves

Traditionally harvested for aromatic leaves, which are dried for use in potpourri, sachets, or herbal crafts

Leaves contain coumarin, giving them a sweet fragrance when dried

Used historically to flavor May wine in parts of Europe (not recommended in excess due to coumarin content)

Low fertility needs; thrives in organically rich soils without heavy feeding

Top-dress with compost or leaf mold annually in spring to refresh nutrients

Avoid synthetic fertilizers, which can encourage weak, floppy growth

• Pollinated by bees, flies, and small insects attracted to nectar-rich flowers
  
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  Flowers are fertile and may self-seed in ideal conditions
  

• Shade-loving perennials such as Hosta, Pulmonaria, Tiarella, Brunnera, and Heuchera
  
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  Spring bulbs like Narcissus, Galanthus, and Tulipa, as Woodruff covers fading bulb foliage
  
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  Other groundcovers such as Lamium, Ajuga, and Pachysandra for layered carpets
  
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  Ferns (Dryopteris, Athyrium) for contrasting texture