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Bedstraws (Galium)
Bedstraws are a large group of low-growing flowering plants, many of which have been historically used by humans for a variety of purposes. A red dye can be derived from several species' roots, while other species were used to add color to certain varieties of cheeses. As its common name suggests, though, bedstraws were most often used as a filler for mattresses.
Lifespan
Perennial
Key Facts About Bedstraws
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Attributes of Bedstraws
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Scientific Classification of Bedstraws
Distribution of Bedstraws
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Distribution Map of Bedstraws
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Bedstraws
Feedback
Bedstraws is a diverse genus commonly found in woodland and shady areas, adaptable to a range of environments but prefers part shade to full shade conditions. Water requirements for bedstraws are moderate, and the plant needs well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Bedstraws can be sensitive to high heat, so it’s crucial to maintain a cooler temperature range. Common challenges include infestations by spider mites and aphids, especially in stressful conditions. Seasonally, bedstraws may require additional mulching in winter for protection and less water during dormant periods. Spring is typically the active growth season, necessitating increased watering and vigilance for pests.
Exploring the Bedstraws Plants
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8 most common species：
Cleavers
Cleavers are widely-distributed weeds found around the world. They grow many nearly invisible hook-shaped spines on their stems. These make the plant feel sticky to the skin, and can cause contact dermatitis in some individuals. Cleavers come from the same family as coffee and can be used to create a less caffeinated version of coffee.
Hedge bedstraw
Hedge bedstraw (Galium mollugo) is a flowering herb native to Europe and North Africa. Hedge bedstraw is also commonly referred to as "false baby's breath". Hedge bedstraw grows at high elevations in hedges, meadows, and paths. It is considered a noxious weed in several eastern United States.
Lady's bedstraw
Lady's bedstraw (Galium verum) is native to Eurasia and North Africa but has become naturalized in parts of North America as well. The smell of the plant is a flea-repellant and it was sometimes used for bedding material in medieval Europe. Galium verum produces bright yellow flowers that can coagulate milk and have been used in cheese-making.
Sweet woodruff
Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) is a perennial herb that grows from 15 to 30 cm tall. Popular for its fragrant leaves and lacy, star-shaped flowers that blossom in spring and summer. It prefers shady locations and makes an excellent ground cover under trees and other shaded conditions. Thrives in moist, well-drained soil.
White bedstraw
An annual, white bedstraw is found in pastures and grassy banks across Europe. It grows clusters of yellowish or whitish flowers on top of square, hairless stems. Planted en masse or growing wild in pastures, these flowers make an impressive sight.
Heath bedstraw
Heath bedstraw is a widespread mat-forming plant of acidic soils. It has mildly scented leaves and upright inflorescence. The flowers of heath bedstraw attract the mountain ringlet butterfly, which uses its nectar.
Northern bedstraw
Northern bedstraw is widespread across temperate and subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It is an important food source for the caterpillars of many moth species as well as, interestingly, bears who have recently awoken from hibernation. Its white flowers bloom in summer, which are very eye-catching in the wild. It will wither in winter and grow again the next year.
Common marsh bedstraw
Common marsh bedstraw (Galium palustre) is a perennial herb that blooms in summer with clusters of small white flowers. Commonly found growing in marshes swamps and stream banks. It is classified as a noxious weed in many areas of the United States.
All Species of Bedstraws
Cleavers
Cleavers
Cleavers are widely-distributed weeds found around the world. They grow many nearly invisible hook-shaped spines on their stems. These make the plant feel sticky to the skin, and can cause contact dermatitis in some individuals. Cleavers come from the same family as coffee and can be used to create a less caffeinated version of coffee.
Hedge bedstraw
Hedge bedstraw
Hedge bedstraw (Galium mollugo) is a flowering herb native to Europe and North Africa. Hedge bedstraw is also commonly referred to as "false baby's breath". Hedge bedstraw grows at high elevations in hedges, meadows, and paths. It is considered a noxious weed in several eastern United States.
Lady's bedstraw
Lady's bedstraw
Lady's bedstraw (Galium verum) is native to Eurasia and North Africa but has become naturalized in parts of North America as well. The smell of the plant is a flea-repellant and it was sometimes used for bedding material in medieval Europe. Galium verum produces bright yellow flowers that can coagulate milk and have been used in cheese-making.
Sweet woodruff
Sweet woodruff
Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) is a perennial herb that grows from 15 to 30 cm tall. Popular for its fragrant leaves and lacy, star-shaped flowers that blossom in spring and summer. It prefers shady locations and makes an excellent ground cover under trees and other shaded conditions. Thrives in moist, well-drained soil.
White bedstraw
White bedstraw
An annual, white bedstraw is found in pastures and grassy banks across Europe. It grows clusters of yellowish or whitish flowers on top of square, hairless stems. Planted en masse or growing wild in pastures, these flowers make an impressive sight.
Heath bedstraw
Heath bedstraw
Heath bedstraw is a widespread mat-forming plant of acidic soils. It has mildly scented leaves and upright inflorescence. The flowers of heath bedstraw attract the mountain ringlet butterfly, which uses its nectar.
Northern bedstraw
Northern bedstraw
Northern bedstraw is widespread across temperate and subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It is an important food source for the caterpillars of many moth species as well as, interestingly, bears who have recently awoken from hibernation. Its white flowers bloom in summer, which are very eye-catching in the wild. It will wither in winter and grow again the next year.
Common marsh bedstraw
Common marsh bedstraw
Common marsh bedstraw (Galium palustre) is a perennial herb that blooms in summer with clusters of small white flowers. Commonly found growing in marshes swamps and stream banks. It is classified as a noxious weed in many areas of the United States.
Cudweed
Cudweed
Cudweed (*Galium triflorum*) is an herbaceous plant that grows in forested areas across Northern Europe, eastern Asia, and North America. In some areas where it has naturalized, it is classified as a noxious weed. Galium triflorum distributes its seeds by clinging to passing people and animals. The dried leaves of this plant have a faint smell of vanilla.
Licorice bedstraw
Licorice bedstraw
Licorice bedstraw (Galium circaezans) is found in deciduous forests throughout eastern North America. The plant is a food source for moths, aphids, and ants; the eastern box turtles also eat the leaves on occasion. It propagates itself through bur-covered seed pods that stick to the fur or clothing of passing animals and humans.
Birdlip
Birdlip
The birdlip is considered to be a noxious weed in many places. It has spread across every continent except Antarctica and South America. Birdlip seeds sport hundreds of tiny hooks which they use to hitch rides on clothing or animal fur. They're so sticky, in fact, that the Finnish name for the plant translates to "tar-herb."
Galium bungei
Galium bungei
Galium bungei is a perennial herb notable for its whorled leaves and small, white to greenish-yellow flowers. Typically found in forests or grassy slopes, galium bungei flourishes in well-drained soils and may spread via its slender, sprawling stems. Its characteristic square stem and fine, hooked hairs facilitate its survival by allowing adherence to animal fur for seed dispersal.
Galium maritimum
Galium maritimum
As a member of the Galium genus, galium maritimum can be very difficult to identify and tell apart from the 600 different species. These plants are sometimes referred to as bedstraw as the flowers were used for mattresses in medieval times.
Montane bedstraw
Montane bedstraw
Montane bedstraw is a distinctive perennial that often thrives in the shaded understorey of deciduous forests. It is characterized by its whorled leaves and tiny, star-shaped white flowers that appear to paradoxically seek both shadow and light. Montane bedstraw's low-growing habit and preference for moist, rich soils reflect its adaptation to the forest floor's ecology.
Corn cleavers
Corn cleavers
Corn cleavers is found in open meadows, grasslands, and other disturbed areas. The stems bend backward when the plant produces flowers or fruit. The plant's inability to compete with other plants limits its range to open areas. Because of this, corn cleavers is considered endangered.
Fen bedstraw
Fen bedstraw
Fen bedstraw is a native of Europe and commonly found growing in moist areas. Called bedstraw due to its use as bedding, the leaves do not mat or squash down, so they offer a fluffy, straw-like filling for homemade mattresses. Its small flowers bloom in summer and it is often found growing in bogs and wetland areas.
Rough bedstraw
Rough bedstraw
Rough bedstraw (Galium asprellum) is a perennial herb that can grow to 2 m tall. It blooms in summer with tiny white flowers. It thrives in partial shade in moist soil. Commonly found growing in moist fields and wet disturbed areas. It spreads from underground rhizomes that divide and form colonies.
Marsh bedstraw
Marsh bedstraw
Marsh bedstraw is a common sight in wet meadows and lake shores, where its blooms can cover the whole area. These plants often block out other wildflowers, while using the neighboring plants to support its branching stems.
River bedstraw
River bedstraw
River bedstraw is found in moist areas, often along rivers. It produces small flowers in the summer and small-seeded fruit in the fall. The seeds burst from the fruit in order to be dispersed by the wind, although birds and other wildlife that eat the fruit also help spread its seed.
Waxy bedstraw
Waxy bedstraw
Galium glaucum or waxy bedstraw is a plant species of the Rubiaceae. It is native to central Europe from Portugal to Ukraine, and sparingly naturalized in a few locations in North America (Quebec, Ontario, Connecticut and New Jersey).
Yellow lady's bedstraw
Yellow lady's bedstraw
Yellow lady's bedstraw is a perennial herb distinguished by its sprawling habit and clusters of small, bright yellow flowers that bloom in summer. The narrow, lance-shaped leaves, whorled around the square stems, and its sweet, honey-like fragrance are characteristic. This wildflower thrives in dry, nutrient-poor grasslands, where its presence supports a variety of pollinators.
Galium echinocarpum
Galium echinocarpum
Galium echinocarpum is a herbaceous perennial with a distinctive prickly fruit that gives it a spiny appearance, setting it apart from other members of its genus. Flourishing in well-drained soils, often in woodland or forest-clearing habitats, galium echinocarpum displays small, greenish-white flowers clustered tightly at the stem's apex. Its lance-shaped leaves and square stems are characteristic of the Rubiaceae family, indicative of its adaptability to understory environments.
Galium maximowiczii
Galium maximowiczii
Galium maximowiczii is a herbaceous perennial known for its whorled leaves, typically grouped in fours around slender, square stems. Its small, white-to-cream flowers bloom in clusters, giving off a sweet fragrance. Thriving in shady, woodland habitats, galium maximowiczii uses its sprawling habit to carpet forest floors, indicating its preference for moist, well-drained soil.
Great lady's bedstraw
Great lady's bedstraw
The stems can grow to at least 1.5 m and are more or less erect with ascending branches. The stem is square in section with slight flanges. The plant is relatively hairless with shiny leaves and stem. Flowers are white or yellowish. The fruit are hairless. Galium mollugo can reach a height of 15 to 100 cm. The stems are square in cross-section more or less erect with ascending branches. Starting from the axils of leaves it has inflorescences of small white flowers with a diameter of about 1 to 1.5 cm with four petals. The flowering period extends from spring to fall.
More Popular Genus
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Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Bedstraws
Galium
Bedstraws are a large group of low-growing flowering plants, many of which have been historically used by humans for a variety of purposes. A red dye can be derived from several species' roots, while other species were used to add color to certain varieties of cheeses. As its common name suggests, though, bedstraws were most often used as a filler for mattresses.
Lifespan
Perennial
Key Facts About Bedstraws
Feedback
Attributes of Bedstraws
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Scientific Classification of Bedstraws
Distribution of Bedstraws
Feedback
Distribution Map of Bedstraws
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Bedstraws
Feedback
Bedstraws is a diverse genus commonly found in woodland and shady areas, adaptable to a range of environments but prefers part shade to full shade conditions. Water requirements for bedstraws are moderate, and the plant needs well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Bedstraws can be sensitive to high heat, so it’s crucial to maintain a cooler temperature range. Common challenges include infestations by spider mites and aphids, especially in stressful conditions. Seasonally, bedstraws may require additional mulching in winter for protection and less water during dormant periods. Spring is typically the active growth season, necessitating increased watering and vigilance for pests.
Exploring the Bedstraws Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Cleavers
Cleavers are widely-distributed weeds found around the world. They grow many nearly invisible hook-shaped spines on their stems. These make the plant feel sticky to the skin, and can cause contact dermatitis in some individuals. Cleavers come from the same family as coffee and can be used to create a less caffeinated version of coffee.
Hedge bedstraw
Hedge bedstraw (Galium mollugo) is a flowering herb native to Europe and North Africa. Hedge bedstraw is also commonly referred to as "false baby's breath". Hedge bedstraw grows at high elevations in hedges, meadows, and paths. It is considered a noxious weed in several eastern United States.
Lady's bedstraw
Lady's bedstraw (Galium verum) is native to Eurasia and North Africa but has become naturalized in parts of North America as well. The smell of the plant is a flea-repellant and it was sometimes used for bedding material in medieval Europe. Galium verum produces bright yellow flowers that can coagulate milk and have been used in cheese-making.
Sweet woodruff
Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) is a perennial herb that grows from 15 to 30 cm tall. Popular for its fragrant leaves and lacy, star-shaped flowers that blossom in spring and summer. It prefers shady locations and makes an excellent ground cover under trees and other shaded conditions. Thrives in moist, well-drained soil.
Show More Species
All Species of Bedstraws
Cleavers
Hedge bedstraw
Lady's bedstraw
Sweet woodruff
White bedstraw
Heath bedstraw
Northern bedstraw
Common marsh bedstraw
Cudweed
Licorice bedstraw
Birdlip
Galium bungei
Galium maritimum
Montane bedstraw
Corn cleavers
Fen bedstraw
Rough bedstraw
Marsh bedstraw
River bedstraw
Waxy bedstraw
Yellow lady's bedstraw
Galium echinocarpum
Galium maximowiczii
Great lady's bedstraw
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
