Sweet woodruff

Galium odoratum

herb · infusion

A small woodland plant that smells of cut hay and vanilla as it wilts: it flavors German May wine and syrups.

Origin

Forests of Europe

Season (United States)

April to May

Preparation

A few wilted sprigs, removed after half an hour: at high doses, its coumarin causes headaches and harms the liver.

Did you know?

Its scent appears only once picked and wilted: the coumarin is released as it dries.