Galium odoratum

Low maintenance, herbaceous perennial groundcover blooms in the spring.  

Useful in herb gardens, rock gardens, naturalized areas, shady borders or as a ground cover or edging plant.   They tolerate heavy shade and even being planted near black walnuts.  Can be somewhat aggressive under optimal growing conditions.  Plants can be mowed with a rotary mower set high if necessary to maintain growth. 

Lance-shaped dark green leaves form whorls of 6-8 around, squarish stems.   The foliage smells of freshly mowed hay when crushed.  The aromatic properties increase when the leaves are dried so they are often used in potpourri or sachets.  This plant has been used commercially in perfumes.  The white flowers are showy, fragrant and edible. They have a sweet, nutty, vanilla flavor. Flowers can have a blood-thinning effect if eaten in large amounts.

Play Value:  Wildlife Enhancement

Notes:  Potentially invasive

Covered in hooked bristles in summer 

Seed:  Capsule