sweet woodruffGalium odoratum

sweet woodruff

sweet woodruff

1. Asperula odorata var. trifida
2. Asperula odorata
3. Galium odoratum var. eugeniae
4. Asperula odora
5. Asterophyllum sylvaticum
6. Galium matrisylva
7. Asperula eugeniae
8. Asterophyllum asperula
9. Chlorostemma odoratum
10. Asperula matrisylva

1. Galium odoratum
2. woodruff
3. sweetscented bedstraw
4. Asperula odorata var. trifida
5. Asperula odorata
6. Galium odoratum var. eugeniae
7. Asperula odora
8. Asterophyllum sylvaticum
9. Galium matrisylva
10. Asperula eugeniae
11. Asterophyllum asperula
12. Chlorostemma odoratum
13. Asperula matrisylva

1. woodruff
2. sweetscented bedstraw

1. NameWaldmeister

   Languagede

   Shared with

   1. Q7961534
   2. Q109565295
   3. Q116850725

   Clarification

   operetta by Johann Strauss, street in Berlin-Grunewald, family name

2. NameWaldmeister

   Languageen

   Shared with

   1. Q7961534
   2. Q109565295
   3. Q3565320
   4. Q116850725

   Clarification

   operetta by Johann Strauss, street in Berlin-Grunewald, alcoholic drink, family name

1. sweet woodruff

Madder family

1. leaves
2. flowers

Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) is a perennial herbaceous plant, primarily known for its sweet, vanilla-like aroma that develops upon wilting or drying of the leaves. Native to European deciduous forests, it is a popular groundcover for shady garden areas. Traditionally, it is used to flavor beverages like May punch (Maibowle), as well as for desserts and teas.

1. Tasksow_outdoor

   Label

   Outdoor sowing

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 3
   2. 4
   3. 9
   4. 10

   ConditionBodentemperatur über 5°C

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Sweet woodruff is a cold germinator and requires a cold period for germination. Direct sowing in spring or autumn is ideal.

2. Taskplant

   Label

   Planting / Dividing

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 3
   2. 4
   3. 9
   4. 10

   Conditionfrostfreier Boden

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Best time to plant young plants or divide existing clumps to encourage spread.

1. Tasksow_outdoor

   Label

   Outdoor sowing

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 3
   2. 4
   3. 9
   4. 10

   ConditionBodentemperatur über 5°C

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Sweet woodruff is a cold germinator and requires a cold period for germination. Direct sowing in spring or autumn is ideal.

2. Taskplant

   Label

   Planting / Dividing

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 3
   2. 4
   3. 9
   4. 10

   Conditionfrostfreier Boden

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Best time to plant young plants or divide existing clumps to encourage spread.

3. Taskharvest

   Label

   Harvest (leaves)

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 4
   2. 5

   Conditionvor der Blüte

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Harvest leaves before flowering, as the coumarin content is highest and the aroma most intense then.

1. Taskharvest

   Label

   Harvest (leaves)

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 4
   2. 5

   Conditionvor der Blüte

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Harvest leaves before flowering, as the coumarin content is highest and the aroma most intense then.

1. Taskwater

   Label

   Watering during dry spells

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 6
   2. 7
   3. 8

   ConditionBoden trocken

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Sweet woodruff prefers moist soil; water regularly, especially during dry periods.

1. Taskwater

   Label

   Watering during dry spells

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 6
   2. 7
   3. 8

   ConditionBoden trocken

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Sweet woodruff prefers moist soil; water regularly, especially during dry periods.

1. Taskwater

   Label

   Watering during dry spells

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 6
   2. 7
   3. 8

   ConditionBoden trocken

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Sweet woodruff prefers moist soil; water regularly, especially during dry periods.

1. Tasksow_outdoor

   Label

   Outdoor sowing

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 3
   2. 4
   3. 9
   4. 10

   ConditionBodentemperatur über 5°C

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Sweet woodruff is a cold germinator and requires a cold period for germination. Direct sowing in spring or autumn is ideal.

2. Taskplant

   Label

   Planting / Dividing

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 3
   2. 4
   3. 9
   4. 10

   Conditionfrostfreier Boden

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Best time to plant young plants or divide existing clumps to encourage spread.

1. Tasksow_outdoor

   Label

   Outdoor sowing

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 3
   2. 4
   3. 9
   4. 10

   ConditionBodentemperatur über 5°C

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Sweet woodruff is a cold germinator and requires a cold period for germination. Direct sowing in spring or autumn is ideal.

2. Taskplant

   Label

   Planting / Dividing

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 3
   2. 4
   3. 9
   4. 10

   Conditionfrostfreier Boden

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Best time to plant young plants or divide existing clumps to encourage spread.

1. Shade
2. Partial shade

Sheltered

Prefers locations under trees or shrubs that protect from direct midday sun.

1. Humus-rich
2. Loamy

Slightly acidic to neutral

1. Loose
2. Well-drained

Moist, well-drained, and humus-rich forest soil is ideal.

Regularly, especially during dry periods

From below or gently overhead

The soil should never completely dry out, but waterlogging must be avoided.

1. Compost

Annually in spring

A thin layer of compost in spring is sufficient to meet nutrient requirements.

Excellent ground cover for shady areas under trees and shrubs. Can spread vigorously.

1. too sunny a site
2. drying out
3. excessive spreading

Check water, site, nutrition, and pest pressure first.

1. Site-appropriate planting (shade, moist, humus-rich soil)
2. Avoidance of waterlogging
3. Regular monitoring for dryness, especially during hot periods
4. Containment of spread if necessary through root barriers or regular division

Most problems with sweet woodruff are due to unsuitable site conditions or care errors, not specific pests or diseases. Pay attention to the plant's needs regarding light, water, and soil.

1. Slugroot_rot

   Severityhigh

   Conditions

   1. Persistent waterlogging
   2. Poor soil drainage

   Affected parts

   1. Roots
   2. Stem base
   3. Leaves (wilting, yellowing)

   Prevention

   1. Ensure good soil drainage
   2. Avoid overwatering
   3. Improve soil structure with compost

   Organic control

   1. Improve drainage
   2. Adjust watering schedule
   3. Remove severely affected plants

1. Symptom

   Leaves turn yellow or brown

   Possible causes

   1. Too much direct sun
   2. Insufficient water
   3. Nutrient deficiency (less likely)

   First checks

   1. Check sunlight exposure
   2. Check soil moisture
   3. Check soil quality
2. Symptom

   Plant wilts despite moist soil

   Possible causes

   1. Root rot

   First checks

   1. Check for waterlogging
   2. Examine roots for mushiness
3. Symptom

   Poor growth / Stunted plants

   Possible causes

   1. Too much sun
   2. Too dry soil
   3. Poor soil quality
   4. Competition from other plants

   First checks

   1. Check site conditions (shade, moisture)
   2. Check soil for humus content
   3. Assess competition from other plants

1. Spring emergence
2. Leaf development
3. Flower bud formation
4. Flowering
5. Fruiting
6. Seed ripening
7. Autumn dieback (aerial parts die, rhizomes overwinter)

Leaves are harvested before flowering, as coumarin content and aroma are most intense then. After flowering, the aroma diminishes.

May to June

1. White

Small, star-shaped flowers in loose cymes

Cyme

The small white flowers appear in clusters above the foliage and are rather inconspicuous.

1. Leaves
2. Flowers (rarely)

1. 4
2. 5

Leaves are ideally harvested in April or early May, just before the plant begins to flower. At this time, the coumarin content is highest and the aroma is most intense. After flowering, the aroma diminishes, and coumarin content may change.

Once annually for the main harvest, light harvesting possible as needed.

1. Fresh, green leaves
2. Before flower buds open

Tie harvested stems into small bundles and hang upside down in an airy, shady place to dry. Alternatively, spread them on a rack. After drying, strip the leaves from the stems.

1. Drying
2. Freezing (leaves)

Dried: 6-12 months; Frozen: up to 6 months

For the best aroma, sweet woodruff should be dried. Fresh leaves only keep for a short time in the refrigerator.

Dried herbs

Dried sweet woodruff retains its aroma in an airtight container in a dark, cool place for 6 to 12 months.

1. Drying for tea or punch
2. Freezing in ice cubes for drinks
3. Making syrup or extract

Drying the leaves for flavoring drinks and dishes.

Production of sweet woodruff syrup, extract, or spirit. Leaves are often slightly wilted to intensify the aroma.

Sweet woodruff's characteristic aroma only develops when the leaves wilt or dry, as coumarin is released.

1. May punch (Maibowle)
2. Sweet woodruff syrup
3. Jelly
4. Desserts (pudding, ice cream)
5. Lemonades
6. Tea

Sweet, vanilla-like, hay-like, slightly bitter

1. White wine
2. Sparkling wine
3. Fruits (strawberries)
4. Cream
5. Curd cheese

Fresh or dried leaves are steeped in liquids (wine, water, milk) for a short time to extract the aroma. Do not boil to avoid bitterness.

Sweet woodruff should be used sparingly, especially in larger quantities, as it contains coumarin. For May punch, the slightly wilted stems are briefly steeped in wine.

1. Leaves
2. Flowers (in small quantities)

1. High doses of leaves (due to coumarin)

Sweet woodruff contains coumarin, which can be liver-damaging in high doses. Coumarin content is highest before flowering. Moderate consumption is safe, but excessive intake should be avoided. Pregnant women and individuals with liver conditions should be particularly cautious.

Yes, in moderation. Leaves are often slightly wilted or dried to intensify the aroma and stabilize coumarin content.

The small, spherical fruits (schizocarps) turn brown and dry and detach easily.

Carefully collect seed heads by hand as soon as they are ripe. They can fall off easily, so regular checking is important.

Gently rub the dried seed heads to separate the seeds from the husks. Sieve out chaff and other plant material.

Store dry, cool, and dark in an airtight container.

Sweet woodruff often self-seeds if conditions are right. Seeds require a cold period (cold germinator) for germination.

Seeds require cold stratification to germinate. This can be achieved by sowing in autumn or artificial stratification.

Vegetative propagation by dividing rhizomes is easier and more reliable than seed saving for home gardens.

Sweet woodruff is a herbaceous, strongly spreading plant and not a woody variety in the classic sense. The information provided here relates to general cultivation and propagation.

While not a primary food source for wildlife, sweet woodruff provides habitat for small insects as a groundcover and improves soil structure.

In spring, sweet woodruff emerges and is ready for harvesting its aromatic leaves before flowering. This is also the best time to propagate new plants by division.

In summer, sweet woodruff requires regular watering during dry spells to maintain its green color and vitality. It serves as an attractive groundcover.

Autumn is a good time to divide and plant sweet woodruff. The above-ground parts die back, but the rhizomes overwinter well.

Sweet woodruff is winter-hardy. The above-ground parts die back, and the roots survive the winter in the soil.