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Dyer's Woodruff

Asperula tinctoria

Last reviewed: August 2026

Dyer's Woodruff (Asperula tinctoria)
Photo: Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Toxicity unknown

Dyer's Woodruff (Asperula tinctoria) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

NH

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Native alternatives to Dyer's Woodruff

Dyer's Woodruff is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

High PlainsEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsOzark HighlandsGreat PlainsPiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Dyer's woodruff is a compact perennial herb that forms neat clumps of narrow green leaves. It produces clusters of small white or pale yellow flowers in late spring and early summer, creating a delicate cottage garden appearance.

In an HOA neighborhood

Dyer's Woodruff takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Non-native European species
  • Small flowers may appear weedy to conservative neighbors
  • Relatively unknown plant could raise questions

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and beneficial beetles during the blooming period in May and June. As a non-native herb, it provides limited ecological value compared to native alternatives.

Common questions

How much sun does Dyer's Woodruff need?
Dyer's Woodruff grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Dyer's Woodruff bloom?
Dyer's Woodruff blooms in May and June.
Where is Dyer's Woodruff native?
Dyer's Woodruff (Asperula tinctoria) is native to NH, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Dyer's Woodruff attract?
Dyer's Woodruff draws bees and beetles.
Is Dyer's Woodruff HOA-friendly?
Dyer's Woodruff takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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