Sorry I misspelled.....
By 1198
Ionia County Michigan, United States
I'm asking about "Sweet Woodruff" not Seet Woodruff :)
Thanks in advance for any help.
- 2 Jul, 2008
Answers
Wow! I asked for information and I got it! Thank you very much Ken. I'm thinking of planting it in an arched area by our shed (pics on my profile) between vybernums. Is it an aggressive ground cover, will it want to rule the world, or is it workable as long as I incorporate a restraining border (bricks?)
2 Jul, 2008
Its Latin name is Galium odoratum, by the way. It is not that invasive in our garden, but then it does have to comepte with a lot of other things.
2 Jul, 2008
Previous question
« Does anyone out there have "Seet Woodruff" ground cover? Any particulars...
Perennial growing to 0.15m by 0.45m at a medium rate.
It is hardy to zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Flies, bees. The plant is self-fertile.
The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It requires dry or moist soil. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.
Leaves - raw or cooked]. The leaves are coumarin-scented (like freshly mown hay), they are used as a flavouring in cooling drinks and are also added to fruit salads etc[ The leaves are soaked in white wine to make 'Maitrank', an aromatic tonic drink that is made in Alsace. A fragrant and delicious tea is made from the green-dried leaves and flowers. Slightly wilted leaves are used, the tea has a fresh, grassy flavour]. The sweet-scented flowers are eaten or used as a garnish].
Sweet woodruff was widely used in herbal medicine during the Middle Ages, gaining a reputation as an external application to wounds and cuts and also taken internally in the treatment of digestive and liver problems In current day herbalism it is valued mainly for its tonic, diuretic and anti-inflammatory affect The leaves are antispasmodic, cardiac, diaphoretic, diuretic, sedative An infusion is used in the treatment of insomnia and nervous tension, varicose veins, biliary obstruction, hepatitis and jaundice The plant is harvested just before or as it comes into flower and can be dried for later use One report says that it should be used with caution whilst another says that it is entirely safe[9]. Excessive doses can produce dizziness and symptoms of poisoning The dried plant contains coumarins and these act to prevent the clotting of blood - though in excessive doses it can cause internal bleeding[ The plant is grown commercially as a source of coumarin, used to make an anticoagulant drug Do not use this remedy if you are taking conventional medicine for circulatory problems or if you are pregnant[ A number of species in this genus contain asperuloside, a substance that produces coumarin and gives the scent of new-mown hay as the plant dries Asperuloside can be converted into prostaglandins (hormone-like compounds that stimulate the uterus and affect blood vessels), making the genus of great interest to the pharmaceutical industry A homeopathic remedy made from the plant is used in the treatment of inflammation of the uterus
Hope this helps you - Ken
2 Jul, 2008