bedstraw

Bedstraw is the common name for plants in the genus Galium, a group of about 200 species in the family Rubiaceae. The term covers both garden ornamentals and weedy species found in woods, fields, and disturbed ground. The best-known members are Galium aparine (cleavers or stickywilly) and Galium odoratum (sweet woodruff).

Description and characteristics

Bedstraw plants are typically herbaceous and may be creeping, sprawling, or climbing. They often have slender stems with leaves arranged in whorls around the stem, usually containing four to eight leaves per node. Flowers are small and usually white or pale, borne in dense clusters. Fruits are small dry capsules or nutlets. A common feature of many species is a tendency to cling to surfaces or animals, aided by hairlike structures on the stems and leaves.

Habitat and distribution

Bedstraw species occur worldwide, with many concentrated in temperate regions. They are found in woodlands, hedgerows, meadows, and disturbed sites. Galium aparine is a widespread weed in gardens and fields, while Galium odoratum favors shady woodland floors and is often used as a groundcover.

Uses and notes

Some species are grown ornamentally as groundcovers in woodland gardens. Sweet woodruff (G. odoratum) has a fragrant foliage and has been used traditionally to flavor beverages and to scent linens and potpourri. All parts of bedstraw contain compounds such as coumarin in some species; large ingestions can be toxic, so plants are not recommended for culinary use outside of carefully prepared preparations.

Etymology

The name bedstraw is thought to reflect historical use of the plant as bedding material in some regions, aligning with its low-growing, spreading habit.