Wikimedia Commons
Rubiaceae
Bedstraw
Galium verum
Rest and comfort.
- Family
- Rubiaceae
- Genus
- Galium
- Native to
- Europe, Asia
- Bloom season
- Summer
- Type
- herbaceous perennial
- Height
- 1-3 ft
- Sunlight
- full sun to part shade
- Soil
- Well-drained, alkaline soil
- Water
- low
- Hardiness
- 3-8
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- Bedstraw was historically stuffed into mattresses, which is how it got its common name.
- The plant contains a natural enzyme that can curdle milk, and it was traditionally used in cheese-making.
- Lady's bedstraw was said to be one of the herbs in the manger where Jesus was born.
- The roots produce a red dye that was used to color textiles, similar to its relative madder.
- Bedstraw honey has a distinctive flavor and is prized by beekeepers in some European regions.
Color meanings
0
protection
1
restfulness