When dried, the leaves release a sweet, vanilla-like fragrance thanks to coumarin compounds—hence its name.
The small, hooked fruits easily stick to clothing, fur, and feathers, helping the plant spread—like a natural Velcro.
Historically used in herbal medicine as a mild sedative and for teas, similar to its European relative (Galium odoratum – Sweet Woodruff).
With its trailing stems and whorled leaves, it makes a soft, low-growing forest groundcover.
When dried, the leaves release a sweet, vanilla-like fragrance thanks to coumarin compounds—hence its name.
The small, hooked fruits easily stick to clothing, fur, and feathers, helping the plant spread—like a natural Velcro.
Historically used in herbal medicine as a mild sedative and for teas, similar to its European relative (Galium odoratum – Sweet Woodruff).
With its trailing stems and whorled leaves, it makes a soft, low-growing forest groundcover.
Bloom: summer
Habitats: areas along woodland paths; bogs; moist meadows; moist to mesic deciduous woodands; partially shaded riverbanks; partially shaded seeps and springs; rocky bluffs
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist
Plant type (height): forb (1 to 3 feet)
Requirements: partial sun to light shade
Soil: fertile loam
