Galium odorata, sweet woodruff usage

[trishmarg]

Hello,

I have a large area in my garden, dominated by 3 large coniferous trees, at least 30 feet high. I have been trying to plant a few things underneath them, just to brighten it a little. I have read conflicting things about sweet woodruff, some articles maintain that it is difficult to control, others state that it is not so bad. Have any of you planted this, and what is your opinion of using it under conifers?

Trish

[Michael F]

Doesn't seem to be listed as a problem invasive species anywhere in North America. The seeds can be a bit annoying, clinging to clothes (like Galium aparine seeds, though not quite so bad).

Has a nice smell, and has been used as a herbal remedy in the past, though should be used with caution (the active ingredient coumarin can act as an anti-clotting factor in blood, similar to warfarin).

PS spellcheck: Galium odoratum.

[Artemisia]

I have sweet woodruff growing in a semi-natural setting. It has spread some which pleases me. It really is quite lovely. But I guess how much it will spread depends on conditions. One thing I would be concerned about is whether it would get enough moisture under the conifers. It does like moisture.

April

[WesternWilson]

Although easily transplanted, sweet woodruff is not what I would call invasive. It spreads steadily, but not very fast, and is easy to rip out. It does best in dampish shade, but I have also seen it do well in a sunny bed. A bit of mulching and watering under your trees should help if it looks unhappy.