Woodruff

galium sylvaticum

Also known as: ["Woodruff","Wild Woodruff"]

Family: Rubiaceae Genus: Galium Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A perennial herbaceous plant with creeping rhizomes, native to Europe and Asia. It has whorled leaves and small white flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Gentianales
Family: Rubiaceae
Genus: Galium
Botanical Name: Galium sylvaticum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: shaded garden bed or woodland setting
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate poor soils.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates low light conditions; avoid direct sunlight.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter conditions if moving from deep shade; protect from harsh afternoon sun; suitable for shaded garden beds or indoor areas with indirect light.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or improper watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to full shade

Avoid direct sun; prefers dappled light; can thrive in low-light indoor spots.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure proper drainage; avoid wetting foliage.

Soil

well-draining, humus-rich soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.

Temperature

Cool to moderate temperatures; prefers 50–70°F (10–21°C); tolerates cooler conditions but avoids extreme heat.

Protect from frost; keep away from heat sources; maintain moderate temperatures.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)

Use diluted fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize during active growth; stop in winter.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain humidity.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

High humidity, indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F or 18–24°C).

Medium

Peat-based potting mix with perlite or sand for drainage.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots may develop in 3–6 weeks; establish in new pot after 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; keep out of direct sun.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips for bushier growth; cut back leggy stems to a healthy bud or branch.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or weak growth.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead or damaged growth; shape the plant; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth starts.

Pot Size

Choose a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider in diameter).

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants.

Checklist

Select appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the roots without disturbing the soil surface.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in prolonged cold; vulnerable to frost damage.

Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch; move potted plants to sheltered locations; avoid overwatering in cold.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may stall in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during growing season; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring to early fall); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Galium sylvaticum may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Galium sylvaticum can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Galium sylvaticum may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, resulting in reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Galium sylvaticum if the soil is waterlogged, leading to decay of root tissues and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Galium sylvaticum is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of toxicity in felines after ingestion.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for cats that may come into contact with or ingest this plant.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Galium sylvaticum is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no reported cases of adverse effects in canines after ingestion.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for dogs that may come into contact with or ingest this plant.
Humans
Non-toxic

Galium sylvaticum is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. It has not been documented to cause adverse physiological effects when ingested.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for human handling or consumption of this plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Galium sylvaticum toxic to pets?

A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: Does Woodruff attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

Q: What are the common problems with Woodruff?

A: Common issues include yellow leaves and wilting.

Quick Reference
Family: Rubiaceae
Care: easy
Light: partial shade to full shade
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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