Galium

GaLium

( GAY - lee - um )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of perennial flowering plants is commonly known as Bedstraw, and includes species which need partial to full shade and regular to ample water to perform well in the landscape. They are native to woodlands and meadows and sprout tiny, profuse blooms, typically in white or yellow. These plants make great, informal groundcovers in areas with low amounts of traffic, and can also be used as a lawn substitute. Some species are planted as members of herb gardens, and others do well in naturalized or meadow gardens.

Galium Species and Varietals

The genus Galium includes over 600 species, and is a member of the plant family Rubiaceae. The genus gets its common name, Bedstraw, in reference to the plants' historical use in stuffing mattresses and pillows. These grow best in USDA hardiness zones 4-8 or Sunset growing zones 1-6 and 15-17, though this varies depending on the species. For more information, see the species descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Galium andrewsii (Phloxleaf Bedstraw, Andrew's Bedstraw, Needlemat Galium)
This species is native to Baja California and California, where it grows in chaparral and woodland environments. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 7a-10b. This perennial herbaceous plant forms a clump or mat of needle-like green to greyish-green foliage that reaches about 8.5 inches tall at maturity. Flowers are greenish-yellow and small.

Galium antarcticum (Antarctic Bedstraw, Subantarctic Bedstraw)
This rare species is native to Chile, Argentina, the Falklands, and South Georgia. It prefers moist soil, and often grows along lakes and streams. It is one of only two vascular plant species that grow in Antarctica, and produces weak main stems that are tinged purple. Pink-buff flowers bloom in January in the plant's native range. Fruits follow blooms.

Galium aparine (Cleavers, Cilvers, Catchweed, Robin-Run-The-Hedge, Goosegrass, Sticky Willy, Velcro Weed, Grip Grass)
This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-10. These annual plants have creeping, branching stems that grow along the ground and over other plants. Stems can reach up to 3 feet long, and flowers are tiny, star-shaped and white to greenish-white. These plants contain caffeine, and can be used as a stimulant substitute for coffee or tea. This species is considered invasive in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

Galium bifolium (Twinleaf Bedstraw, Low Mountain Bedstraw)
This species is native from British Colombia south to California, and east to New Mexico, Colorado, South Dakota, and Alberta, Canada. It naturally prefers mountainous forested areas. These erect annual herbs reach about 6 inches tall when mature. Foliage is hairless and sometimes fleshy. This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4a-8b.

Galium boreale (Northern Bedstraw)
This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 3-8 or Sumset growing zones A2, A3, 2-6 and 15-17 and is native to Alaska, Canada, northern Europe, and Asia. This plant grows to 2.5 feet tall and just as wide, and produces tiny, white summertime flowers. This is a great shade-loving wildflower, and dies back to the ground every winter. Spreads by rhizome.

Galium californicum (California Bedstraw)
This species is endemic to California, mainly growing in moist, shaded areas in hills and mountain ranges. It is a variable species, and can present as a small perennial herb to a sprawling, woody-based shrub reaching over 3 feet tall. Stems and leaves are hairy. Flowers are dull yellow, followed by hairy berries.

Galium concinnum (Shining Bedstraw)
This species is native to the Great Lakes Region of the United States and Canada, and also Ohio, Missouri, and Mississippi (around river valleys). It is a weedy plant, but is not considered to be invasive. These plants reach between 6 and 24 inches tall when mature. Considered weedy in some areas. This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4a-8b.

Galium glabrescens (Castle Lake Bedstraw)
These plants are native to northern California and southern Oregon, and produce an erect stem that reaches up to a foot tall when mature. They form a woody base, and produce whorls of green oval-shaped leaves. Flowers are light yellow to reddish in color.

Galium lanceolatum (Lanceleaf Wild Licorice, Torrey's Wild Licorice, Yellow Wild Licorice)
This species is native to eastern temperate regions in North America, and has stems and leaves that taste of licorice. It is a forest-loving plant that typically flowers in June or July. Lanceleaf Wild Licorice grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-8.

Galium mollugo (Hedge Bedstraw, False Baby's Breath)
This herbaceous perennial is native to Europe and North Africa, and reaches between 6 and 40 inches tall when mature. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-9. Stems are square, and flowers are small and white, blooming from May through September in the plants' native range. This species is considered invasive in Northeastern North America.

Galium multiflorum (Kellogg's Bedstraw, Shrubby Bedstraw, Many-Flowered Bedstraw)
This species is a perennial that grows in rocky mountain soils and desert slopes. It produces herbaceous growth from a woody base and reaches about 14 inches tall at maturity. Flowers are pinkish-white, and appear in clusters at the ends of stems. Kellogg's Bedstraw grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5-8.

Galium murale (Small Goosegrass, Yellow Wall Bedstraw, Tiny Bedstraw)
These prostrate plants are native to Europe, northern Africa, and the Middle East, and has naturalized itself in many areas of the world, including California, Australia, and Argentina. This species produces plants with spreading stems and whorls of green leaves. Flowers are greenish to greenish-yellow.

Galium odoratum (Asperula odorata) (Sweet Woodruff, Sweetscented Bedstraw, Master-of-the-Woods, New-Mown-Hay, Hay-Plant, Star-Grass, Mugwet)
This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4-8 or Sunset growing zones A2, A3, 2-6 and 15-17 and is native to Europe, North Africa, and Siberia. It is a spreading plant that grows well in woodlands. Stems hold groups of green, aromatic leaves and clusters of tiny white fragrant flowers in late spring and summertime. It is great as a groundcover of edging for a pathway. It will spread quickly in rich soil with enough moisture and can become invasive.

Galium porrigens (Graceful Bedstraw, Climbing Bedstraw)
This species can be found in a number of different habitats, from coastal to forest, and is native to the west coast of North America, from Oregon down through Baja California, Mexico. They grow well in USDA hardiness zones 8a-9b. Leaves and flowers are very tiny. Blooms are yellow to reddish, and are followed by berries.

Galium verum (Lady's Bedstraw, Yellow Bedstraw, Cheese Rennet, Yellow Spring Bedstraw, Our Lady's Bedstraw)
This species, native to Europe and Asia, has a sprawling habit and gets 3.5 feet tall and wide. They produce tiny green leaves and summertime to fall yellow flowers in loose clusters. These plants were once used to stuff mattresses, and the coumarin scent of the plants acted as a flea repellent.

Caring for Galium

Galium, or Bedstraw, plants are typically grown from seed (direct-sown or started indoors). Plant 12-18 inches apart for best coverage and airflow if using as a groundcover (10-12 inches apart for faster results). Before planting, ensure that the species chosen is not considered an invasive in your area. Galium are relatively easy-care woodland plants that need partial to full shade to thrive. In warmer climates, make sure they are protected from direct sun in the late afternoon when temperatures are at their peak. Ensure that soil is well-draining and has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, these plants appreciate consistently moist soil around their roots. As a general rule of thumb, water weekly as plants are getting established and provide supplemental waterings when the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Galium plants are not heavy feeders, and this will be enough to get them through their active growing and flowering seasons. These plants require very little pruning, and are best left to their own devices. After the first flowering of the year has faded, plants can be trimmed back to encourage dense growth and maintain a neat appearance. Galium plants can be annual or perennial. Galium plants grown from rhizome roots, which will need to be divided after a few years if these plants are being grown in a cramped space or container. For instructions on how to successfully divide Galium plants, see the Propagation section. Annual plants are typically pulled and composted or left in place to enrich the soil for the next growing season at the end of the year. Perennial species typically can last for 2-3 years before they need to be replaced, though there are some species that can survive for upwards of 10 years if given proper care. Both annual and perennial species will re-seed freely in the garden, providing plants for the landscape indefinitely.

Harvesting Galium
Galium plants, commonly called Cleavers in the culinary world, can be harvested for their edible plant parts, which are used as a coffee substitute, herb, or flavorant. Young leaves can be used as a cut-and-come-again herb, easily added to soups and stews or boiled as a leafy green. When dried, it can be used to flavor wines, jellies, and desserts, offering a sweet and vanilla-like aroma and light herbal flavor. To harvest Cleavers, use sharp, clean shears to remove leaves and stems from plants, and bring them indoors to rinse them. Use leaves fresh or hang harvested stems upside-down to dry. Once fully dried, leaves can be crushed and stored in a glass, airtight container in a dark, cool, dry cabinet.

Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.

Propagation

Galium plants are best propagated via division. They will also re-seed freely in the landscape, providing seedlings that can be dug up and transplanted elsewhere. To propagate your Bedstraw by division of existing plants, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Galium by Division
To propagate via division, you will need a clean trowel, extra pots if you are not going to immediately plant your divisions in the ground, and well-draining soil to fill the pots. To propagate your Bedstraw by division, follow the instructions below:

In early fall or early springtime, identify the area of plants you're going to divide. Start by loosening the soil around the plant with your shovel, working your way inward to avoid causing damage to the rhizome roots. Once you've gotten your clump out of the ground, run water over it or simply shake it to remove excess dirt. Then, lay it out on its side.
Separate the clump into multiple pieces, each with a healthy root system and adequate above-ground growth.
Prepare the planting area, whether it is a container or bed in the garden, and then plant the divisions. Afterwards, resume regular care.

Galium seed heads form where flowers once bloomed, and will dry out over time and release the seeds inside.

Galium seeds vary in color and shape, and typically have rough seed coats.

Problems and Pests

Certain species are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Galium plants can be susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the garden: