Galium odoratum

Galium odoratum, commonly known as sweet Woodruff, is a fragrant perennial herb native to European forests. Renowned for its delicate white flowers and vanilla-scented leaves, it has a long history in traditional medicine. It is frequently used for its calming properties and its role in flavoring various herbal infusions.

  • Scientific name: Galium odoratum
  • Family: Rubiaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae and order Gentianales, it is a member of the Rubiaceae family. Ultimately, it is identified by its genus, Galium.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Gentianales WCVP
Family Rubiaceae WCVP
Genus Galium WCVP

Distribution

This plant, known as Galium odoratum, exhibits a specific geographical range across the northern regions of the continent. In Northern Europe, it can be found growing within the borders of Denmark. Its distribution also extends to the Scandinavian landscapes of Norway and Finland. Furthermore, the species is present across the islands of Great Britain and Ireland. Together, these locations define its primary habitat within the Northern European territory.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP

Chemicals

Galium odoratum has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include chlorogenic acid, coumarin, rutin.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
chlorogenic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
coumarin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
rutin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Galium odoratum has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, urinary tract infections.

Total uses
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
urinary tract infections 1 ★☆☆☆☆