GaLium

( GAY - lee - um )

At-A-Glance Information

These perennial flowering plants commonly known as Bedstraw need partial to full shade and regular to ample water to perform well. They are native to woodlands and meadows and sprout tiny, profuse blooms. Take care when planting these delicate flowers in your garden, as all species can become invasive if preventive measures are not taken. 

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 zones 1-6 and 15-17, though this varies depending on the species. For more information, see the 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. 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 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, and pink-buff flowers in January. Fruits follow blooms.

Galium aparine (Cleavers, Cilvers, Catchweed, Robin-Run-The-Hedge, Goosegrass, Sticky Willy)
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. 

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 forest regions. These erect annual herbs reach about 6 inches tall when mature. Foliage is hairless and sometimes fleshy. 

​Galium boreale (Northern Bedstraw)
This species grows best in 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. 

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 yellow to reddish in color.

Galium lanceolatum (Lanceleaf Wild Licorice, Torrey's Wild Licorice)
This species is native to eastern temperate regions in North America, and has stems and leaves that taste of licorice. This is a forest-loving species that typically flowers in June and July. 

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. Stems are square, and flowers are small and white, blooming from May through September in the plants' native range.

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 grows 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. 

Galium murale (Small Goosegrass, Yellow Wall Bedstraw, Tiny Bedstraw)
These 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 upright stems and whorls of green leaves. Flowers are greenish to greenish-yellow.

​Galium odoratum (Asperula odorata) (Sweet Woodruff, Sweetscented Bedstraw)
This species grows best in 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. Leaves and flowers are very tiny. Blooms are yellow to reddish, and are followed by berries.

Galium verum (Lady's Bedstraw, Yellow 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

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: List of Galium Species
Wikipedia: Galium
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 331, Galium 
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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