Woodruff: A Delicate Annual with Old-World Charm
If you’re looking for a dainty annual that brings a touch of European countryside to your garden, woodruff (Asperula) might catch your eye. This understated little plant has been quietly making itself at home in gardens across North America, though it’s not actually native to our continent.
What is Woodruff?
Woodruff is an annual plant that’s part of a genus originally from Europe, the Mediterranean, and parts of Asia. Don’t let its humble appearance fool you – this little charmer has a way of adding delicate texture and cottage garden appeal wherever it grows. The plant produces small, star-shaped white or pink flowers that seem to dance above narrow leaves arranged in distinctive whorls around the stem.
Where You’ll Find Woodruff Growing
As a non-native species, woodruff has established itself across a surprising range of North American locations. You can find it growing in Alberta and Ontario in Canada, as well as in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia in the United States.
Should You Grow Woodruff in Your Garden?
Here’s where things get interesting. Woodruff falls into that gray area of gardening – it’s not native, but it’s also not considered invasive. As an annual, it completes its life cycle in one season, though it can self-seed if conditions are right.
The Case for Growing Woodruff
- Adds delicate texture to garden beds and borders
- Perfect for cottage garden or naturalized settings
- Easy to grow with minimal care requirements
- Attracts small pollinators like flies and tiny bees
- Self-seeds for next year’s display
Things to Consider
- It’s not native, so it won’t support local wildlife as effectively as native plants
- Can self-seed prolifically if you’re not careful
- May not be the best choice if you’re committed to native-only gardening
Native Alternatives to Consider
If you love the delicate, cottage garden look of woodruff but prefer native options, consider these alternatives that offer similar charm while supporting local ecosystems:
- Wild bergamot for textural interest
- Native asters for late-season blooms
- Wild columbine for delicate flowers
- Native sedums for ground cover appeal
How to Grow Woodruff Successfully
If you decide woodruff is right for your garden, you’ll be pleased to know it’s refreshingly easy to grow. This adaptable annual isn’t particularly fussy about its growing conditions.
Growing Conditions
- Light: Partial shade to full sun (adapts well to various light conditions)
- Soil: Adaptable to most soil types
- Hardiness: Generally suited for USDA zones 3-8
- Water: Moderate moisture requirements
Planting and Care Tips
- Direct sow seeds in spring after frost danger has passed
- Scatter seeds lightly and barely cover with soil
- Keep soil moderately moist until germination
- Once established, woodruff is quite drought tolerant
- Deadhead spent flowers to prevent excessive self-seeding if desired
- Allow some flowers to go to seed if you want plants to return next year
The Bottom Line on Woodruff
Woodruff can be a lovely addition to informal gardens, especially if you’re drawn to cottage garden aesthetics or naturalized plantings. While it’s not native, it’s also not problematic enough to avoid entirely. Just remember that choosing native plants when possible is always the more environmentally conscious choice – they’ll provide better support for local wildlife and contribute to the health of your local ecosystem.
Whether you choose woodruff or opt for native alternatives, the key is creating a garden that brings you joy while being mindful of your local environment. Happy gardening!
