Sweet Woodruff Asperula odorata, Galium oderatum
Folklore/Common Names: Wuderove, Wood-rova, Herb Walter, Muge-de-boys french, Master of the Woods
Other Uses for Sweet Woodruff
Dried Sweet Woodruff is a wonderful addition to natural crafts such as potpourris, herbal wreaths, to scent linens (be cautious about this if you have children or small animals, however). The fresh leaves have little to no scent at all, but dried it is heavenly, resembling as some say, "new-mown hay with vanilla".
If you work with natural dyes, Sweet Woodruff produces a tan color when the above ground parts are used, and the root produces a reddish tone.
Gardening with Sweet Woodruff
Have a shady, wooded area you don't know what to do with? Sweet Woodruff may be your answer. This attractive perennial prefers a slightly acidic soil, and in appropriately shady conditions will provide a lovely ground cover with an aroma as pleasing as its trim appearance. Narrow, deep green leaves form star-like whorls around an 8" tall stem, and the entire plant can spread up to a foot, making a neat, small shrublike habit. In May and June, Sweet Woodruff offers small white flowers; in fall, small rough seed balls follow.
Like most ground covers, Sweet Woodruff creeps on thin tendril roots and spreads rapidly in moist, wooded areas, and can be grown by division following flowering in spring. It can also be grown from seed sown in late summer (it requires the cold period), but patience is required as germination can take up to 6 months. Best to start with a small plant or cutting and let it make its own patch. Also, while Sweet Woodruff does prefer full shade, it can take some light shade, although the color will be affected and it will appears somewhat pale rather than deep green.
Harvest Sweet Woodruff as needed. The plant can take being trimmed pretty closely, so trim stems as needed, tie them in loose bundles and let them air dry or dry in a brown paper bag. If you prefer, you can cut the herb in pieces and dry on trays. Store dried herb in dry, well sealed containers.
Magical Use
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Venus, Mars
Element: Fire
The most common use of Sweet Woodruff is to cleanse and protect against unwanted energies, much as it was used in the Middle Ages. Primarily associated with Beltaine.
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