Sweet Woodruff

Sweet Woodruff (galium odoratum) impression with MaryAnn, 2012

Sweet woodruff owes its sweet smell to the odiferous agent, coumarin which is enhanced as it dries.  It is traditionally used in pot pourri and stuffing of the medieval winter mattress. 

Sweet woodruff prefers shade and it's name, “Ruff,” comes from French, meaning rouelle, relating to the arrangement of the leaves around the stem.

The plant has a long herbal history for use in a variety of ailments, including liver problems, stomach aches, and to promote healing of wounds.  Used in jellies and drinks, most popular is it's flavoring of May Wine or “Maibowle.”

Couldn't resist:  May Day 1994