Sweet woodruff
Galium odoratum
Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) is a groundcover suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 6–10 in tall and 12–24 in wide, needs medium water, and prefers dappled sun to deep shade. Fragrant when crushed. Spreads readily in moist shade, can be aggressive.
On the CSU listmedium water6–10 in tall and 12–24 in wideDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Galium odoratum
- Type
- Groundcover
- Mature size
- 6–10 in tall and 12–24 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~17–24 in apart
- Growth habit
- Spreading
- Foot traffic
- No foot traffic
- Winter cover
- Partial winter cover
- Lawn alternative
- No-mow lawn alternative
- Bloom length
- 2–3 weeks
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in dappled sun; tolerates deep shade. Flowers best with more sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- loam
- Soil pH
- 6.0–7.5
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- low
- Salt tolerance
- low
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Bloom color
- white
- Bloom time
- late spring
- Pollinator value
- low
- Site uses
- Dry shade under conifers, Cool north foundations
Things to know before you plant
- Spreads aggressivelySweet woodruff, rhizomatous mat, can overtake shade beds
- Self-seedsIt self-seeds readily, so edit the seedlings to keep it in bounds.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
Using Sweet woodruff as a groundcover
Sweet woodruff spreads steadily. It fills in densely, crowding out most weeds.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Sweet woodruff good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Sweet woodruff is a well-suited groundcover for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Sweet woodruff?
- The main things to know: Sweet woodruff, rhizomatous mat, can overtake shade beds It self-seeds readily, so edit the seedlings to keep it in bounds.
- How big does Sweet woodruff get?
- It matures to about 6–10 in tall and 12–24 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Sweet woodruff?
- Space Sweet woodruff about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller cover, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Sweet woodruff hardy on the Front Range?
- Sweet woodruff is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Sweet woodruff need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- Is Sweet woodruff native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Sweet woodruff deer-resistant?
- Sweet woodruff is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Sweet woodruff a good firewise plant near the house?
- Sweet woodruff is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- Can you walk on Sweet woodruff?
- Sweet woodruff isn't meant for foot traffic, site it where you won't need to walk across it.
- Can Sweet woodruff replace a lawn?
- Yes, Sweet woodruff works as a no-mow lawn alternative on the Front Range. Expect a season or two of weeding and watering while it fills in before it reads as a lawn replacement.
- Will Sweet woodruff spread or stay put?
- Sweet woodruff is spreading. Sweet woodruff, rhizomatous mat, can overtake shade beds Give it room to fill in and edit the edges to keep it where you want it.
- Does Sweet woodruff stay green in winter?
- Sweet woodruff keeps partial cover through Front Range winters.
- How long does Sweet woodruff bloom?
- Sweet woodruff blooms for about two to three weeks on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
