Homeland and origin of woodruff, species, appearance, habitats, advice on cultivation, its place in the field of traditional medicine and production. Woodruff (English Woodruff, Latin Asperula) is a plant that came to us from the distant edges of the Mediterranean. A flower that managed to show itself not only as a beautiful decoration of a summer cottage, but also as a necessary attribute in various fields of activity: from landscape design to the production of confectionery delicacies.
The origin and types of woodruff
The woodruff is a beautiful, fragrant representative of the large Marenov family (lat. Rubiaceae). Its homeland is considered to be the warm lands of the Mediterranean, but some species can also be found in the forest areas of Central Asia and the Far East.
This fragrant perennial has a large number of different species, there are over 200 of them in the nature of the globe, in the territories of Russia - this figure reaches approximately 70.
Here are the most common ones for your attention:
- Arcadian woodruff (Asperula arcadiensis);
- Shiny woodruff (Asperula nitida);
- Broom woodruff (Asperula scoparia);
- Blue woodruff (Asperula azurea or setosa);
- Hun's woodruff (Asperula gunii);
- Gusson's woodruff (Asperula gussonii);
- Fragrant woodruff (Asperula odorata);
- Graceful woodruff (Asperula gracilis);
- Caucasian woodruff (Asperula caucasika);
- Woodruff (Asperula tinctoria);
- Crimean woodruff (Asperula taurina);
- Glacial woodruff (Asperula gracialis);
- Lilac-flowered woodruff (Asperula lilaciflora);
- Pubescent woodruff (Asperrula hitra);
- Fragrant woodruff (Asperula graveolens);
- Field woodruff (Asperula arvensis);
- Cork woodruff (Asperula superosa);
- Purple woodruff (Asperula purpurea);
- Rosewood (Asperula cinanchika);
- Crowded woodruff (Asperula conferta).
Woodruff appearance
Most of the species of this plant are perennials, the exception of which is the annual representatives: blue woodruff and field woodruff. Also, different varieties of a flower differ among themselves in their height, the colors of the petals of the buds, their leaves also differ slightly, but with all these insignificant differences, it is possible to form a general, collective image of this odorous handsome man.
In nature, it occurs in the form of rounded bushes that resemble fragrant flower clouds. Most of the species are not particularly huge, the height of their bush is about 6-15 cm, on average 10, but there are also representatives higher - this is a purple woodruff and a field woodruff, they can grow up to half a meter. The diameter of the bushes is approximately 30-40 cm.
Single linear stems with a smooth surface, slightly resembling a tetrahedron in shape, they tend to lignify towards their lower part, do not branch. The shoots below are creeping.
The leaves form whorls on the stem, which are located in two "poles" - the upper and lower, differing from each other in the shape of the leaves. Each has its own outlines: if the upper one is represented by lanceolate leaves, then the lower one is small spatulate leaf blades. Their color is represented by a variety of shades of green - from pale green to rich dark emerald color.
The stems and leaves of woodruff are two parts of loose rugs, which are strewn with the most noticeable part of the plant - the inflorescences. In shape, they resemble small bright umbrellas, which are formed by small flowers of 5-15 units each. The spectrum of tones and their shades is more than varied, depending on the type of fragrant perennial. They can be painted by nature as white, pale pink or light lilac, and there are flowers of yellow, sky blue or purple.
The time when you can admire woodruff flowers is late spring and mid-summer, but some plant species delight us with flowering until mid-autumn. The fruits in their appearance resemble a small nut, which is divided into two parts.
A distinctive feature of the Mediterranean perennial is also its aroma - it is a delicate spicy scent that bears some resemblance to jasmine, but is less pungent and intense.
Woodruff in nature
This fragrant flower has a wide geographical distribution. His favorite areas are the mountain systems of the Caucasus and Crimea, some species are also found in the Pyrenees. Also habitats are river basins, for example, the Dnieper, Volga and Don. You can find it in Europe and Asia, and even in distant Australia.
Growing woodruff on your site
Since nature has endowed woodruff with a beautiful outer shell, a number of useful properties and a pleasant aroma, its reproduction at home is a fairly common measure among gardeners and commercial enterprises.
- Plant propagation methods. There are two ways to grow a flower - sowing seeds and separating parts of the root. Most often, seeds are still used for planting. It should be borne in mind that they quickly lose their ability to climb, so you need to quickly apply them to landing and be careful when buying them - monitor the expiration date.
- Landing methods. Two methods of planting seed are used: sowing it directly into the open ground of a garden plot or growing seedlings. As for the seedlings, you will have to work with it, you will have to work a little, although the result will not be long in coming and your efforts will not be in vain. Planting in the ground is a simpler method that does not require much effort - but the result is different and at different times. If the period of ascent of seedlings is 3–7 weeks, then in the natural soil of the garden, the appearance of the first stalks can take much longer.
- Temperature conditions. After planting seedlings, cover the containers well with a plastic bag. Woodruff feels good in the aisles of room temperature 18-25 degrees, although some sources say that for better seed climbing, you need to adhere to a temperature of about 10-15 degrees, or place containers in the refrigerator.
- Optimal sowing period. Experienced gardeners believe that it is better to sow seeds in open ground in the period immediately before winter or early spring. As for the seedling method, the first crops should be done around April, and it is better to plant sprouts on the territory of the garden area in May, when you are firmly convinced of the irreversibility of spring frosts. It must be remembered that the depth of the hole in the garden should be the same as in the pot.
- The right "comfort zone" for a scented flower. For the reason that the diameters of the bushes and their height are different, the distance must be observed when planting plants. If these are undersized flowers, then the distance between them should be 10-15 cm, if these are larger varieties, then they need to be planted at a distance of more than 30 cm from each other.
- The correct choice of substrate for planting. The plant is not particularly picky, although there are still some requirements for the soil. It should be a soil with a slightly acidic reaction. The optimum pH value varies between 4, 5–5, 5. The soil mixture should provide good drainage for moisture and oxygen. Since some varieties of the flower are native to mountainous regions, they prefer the stony or calcareous nature of the substrate.
- Fertilizers and feeding. Good woodruff development will be in soil that is well saturated with nutrients. A good saturation of the soil with humus will be the key to fast ascent and correct development. It is also advisable to apply top dressing of organic origin during early spring to the upper layer of the substrate, you can do this by mulching. As for mineral fertilizers, they are preferred by the most decorative types - these are annual flowers.
- Conditions for proper hydration. In this aspect, there are two extremes: woodruff does not tolerate drying out, but it is also very difficult for it in conditions of excessive moisture. Therefore, you need to maintain an optimal moisture balance. It is better to water it daily, with a moderate amount of liquid, avoiding waterlogging of the earth, since the latter can lead to decay of the plant roots.
- A place under the sun. This fragrant perennial needs a lot of sunlight, so it would be desirable to choose an area for it - a section of the garden that is illuminated by sunlight for most of the daytime. A light diffused shadow is acceptable, but not completely shaded. In the shade, for a quick time, it has the properties of losing its decorative effect, since it will stretch its stems closer to the sun's rays, which will lead to deformation of the species.
- Preparing for the winter cold. Although the woodruff is distinguished by its frost resistance, in order to preserve its decorative effect, it must be protected from the cold. It is advisable to make a shelter; spruce branches or nonwovens are ideal for this. It should be noted that some members of the Madder family need shelter during heavy rains.
- Diseases and pests. Since poisonous substances are also found in the chemical composition of a flower, pests are not afraid of it. He also has excellent immunity to diseases. The only detrimental factor for him may be excessive drought. The woodruff is also good at displacing weeds that "encroach" on its territory.
The use of woodruff in medicine
Although woodruff is not a recognized medicinal unit in the international pharmacopoeia, it still has a wide range of useful properties. This fragrant flower has shown itself to be an effective aid in the treatment of many pathological conditions, such as:
- psoriasis;
- hyperhidrosis of various organs, including anasarca and ascites;
- metabolic disorders;
- stones of the urinary tract;
- calculous cholecystitis;
- cardiac arrhythmias (tachycardia, arrhythmias);
- inflammatory diseases of the skin and its appendages;
- inflammatory processes of the female genital organs;
- menstrual irregularities;
- seizures of various etiologies, including epilepsy;
- depressive conditions;
- hysterical seizures;
- insomnia;
- breast tumors;
- decreased sexual function in men;
- violation of the vitamin balance;
- violations of the motor function of the intestine;
- inflammatory processes of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, enterocolitis);
- liver disease.
For the treatment of the above diseases, the leaves of the plant are usually used. They are best harvested when the first flowers appear or during the period of bud formation. The collected leaves are dried for a rather short time; it is better to do this in the fresh air in the shade, or in well-ventilated rooms. The conditions under which the workpieces must be stored should be minimally moistened, the shelf life is approximately 1 year.
Despite all the useful and healing qualities of this plant, there are a number of contraindications for use. It should not be administered to children, women during pregnancy and people with a history of allergy. It also has a depressing effect on the respiratory center, therefore, in large doses, it can provoke apnea. The use of leukocytosis is contraindicated.
The use of woodruff in industry
The aroma of this plant is used not only as decoration for summer cottages, but also as a necessary component of various products.
- A fragrant flower in cooking. Its unique smell and pleasant aftertaste with an element of light bitterness did not leave indifferent the guru of modern confectionery art. These qualities are widely used in the preparation of ice cream, puddings, lemonade compotes and various sweets. It is also used as a substance that enhances the natural flavor of fruits, both in salads and in individual serving. In some countries of the world, woodruff leaves are used as an addition to meat dishes and for flavoring smoked meats. Whole leaves are used in the culinary arts; it is known that when they are crushed, they lose their taste. On the basis of this flower, fragrant vinegar is made, which is one of the main ingredients of dandelion salad.
- Liqueurs with woodruff aroma. The fragrance of the Mediterranean flower was appreciated by the manufacturers of alcoholic beverages in many parts of our world. For example, in Poland, it gives a pleasant smell to vodka, in France it is widely used to make champagne, in Switzerland it is a cognac production. There is also a special type of white wine called Maytrank infused with woodruff leaves. This flower did not go unnoticed in Germany, where it is added when making a pear, and also syrup from it is added to some types of beer. It is also known in the United States as an ingredient in wine punch.
- Other beneficial properties of an odorous plant. Woodruff is also known as a tobacco flavoring agent. Some have put the plant in cupboards to make things smell good, and the plant is also known to repel moths.
In the field of landscape design, this internationally popular flower has also found its place of honor. It is most commonly used in the creation of Moorish-style lawns and various rocky compositions. Low-growing species are an alternative solution for rock gardens, they will gracefully complement or dilute flower beds, ridges or mixborders. The borders decorated with it also look great.
Some of the magical properties of this plant have been known to people since ancient times. The story goes that if a person, who by nature has a bad character and evil thoughts, is given a decoction of this miracle plant to drink, but only so that this person does not know about your intentions, then you should expect a change of disposition towards kindness. In Germany, this smelly handsome man is an integral part of various holidays. He was revered as a means of protection from evil spirits, as a symbol of all life on earth. On Walpurgis Night, people decorated the doors of their houses with bunches of woodruff.
Learn more about the use of woodruff from this video:
