Woodruff leaves are arranged in whirls around the stalk. They are easliy distinguished from their close relative Cleavers by their sweet smell of fresh-mown hay, and not clinging to fabric and fur. Mature Cleaver stems are also considerably longer. Woodruff grows to about 20cm and has a short season. It is in its prime from late April to May.

Woodruff usually forms dense patches and prefers alkaline soil. It is sometimes found in shady cottage gardes, especially derelict ones in the country side, where previous owners have discarded wood ashes.