Description
Galium – Bedstraw –
There are about 400 species of annuals and perennials, in this genus. They are widely distributed in woodland, meadows and wasteland, mainly in temperate regions. Most have whorls of linear leaves held on weak stems that may be scrambling and rough, with recurved bristles, or shorter and smooth. The flowers are small star shaped white, pinkish white or yellow, held singly or in terminal or axillary panicles or cymes, they usually have 4 or 5 corolla lobes, which often recurved. Many Galium species are invasive, but a few are good garden plants, including G. odoratum, which is useful as a groundcover in woodland and is attractive to bees. Alpine species are best grown in a scree bed or alpine house.
Grow in almost any, preferably moist but well drained, humus rich soil in sun or partial shade. Divide perennials in early spring or fall.
Prone to downy mildew, powdery mildew, rust, and a variety of fungal leaf spots.
G. verum – Lady’s Bedstraw – This sprawling perennial from temperate Eurasia and North America grows to 12″ tall forming a dense mats of fine foliage up to 4′ feet across. It has linear leaves arrange in whorls and tiny bright yellow flowers held in dense terminal heads in summer and early fall.
Zones 4-10
