Sweet woodruff

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Sweet woodruff
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Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(Unranked): Angiospermae
(Unranked): Eudicots
(Unranked): Asterids
Order: Gentianales
Family: Rubiaceae
Genus: Galium
Species: Galium odoratum
Synonyms

Sweet woodruff
Master of the woods
Wild baby's breath
Woodruff

Asperula odorata
Plant Data
Mature height: 30cm (1ft)
Growing plant spacing: 15-23cm (6-9in)
References: [1]

Sweet woodruff is a perennial plant in the family Rubiaceae, native to Europe, North Africa and Western Asia.

It is used, mainly in Germany, to flavour May wine (called "Maiwein" or "Maibowle" in German), syrup for beer (Berliner Weisse), brandy, sausages, jelly, jam, a soft drink (Tarhun), ice cream, and a herbal tea with gentle sedative properties. In Germany it is also used to flavour Sherbet (powder). Mixed with German "corn schnapps" (alternative: vodka), it is a popular party drink among young people. It is called "Korn Brause" or "Korn ahoi". Also very popular at parties is Waldmeister flavoured jelly made from vodka.

Growing[edit | edit source]

Locatation[edit | edit source]

Choose a site that is semi-shaded. Woodruff is particularly well suited to growing under trees. The leaf colour fades in bright sun. The plant is not suitable for growing indoors.[1]

Soil[edit | edit source]

Ideally provide a moist, prorous loam, but woodruff will survive on less rich soil.[1]

Sowing[edit | edit source]

Sow seeds when ripe in late summer. However, propagation is easiest by dividing rootstock after flowering.[1]

Aftercare[edit | edit source]

Transplant in spring to 15-23cm (6-9in) apart.[1]

Harvesting[edit | edit source]

Pick leaves when needed.[1]

Preserving[edit | edit source]

Store leaves whole to preserve scent.[1]

References[edit | edit source]

Template:Reflist

This page uses Creative Commons Licensed content from Wikipedia (view authors).
This page uses Creative Commons Licensed content from Wikipedia (view authors).
  1. a b c d e f g Bremness, L. (1988). The Complete Book of Herbs. Dorling Kindersley Ltd, London. p.75.