Northern Bedstraw, Galium boreale L., Native Minnesota Wildflower plant, Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden

A characteristic of all Bedstraws is leaves in a whorl - in this case a whorl of four - and small 4-parted flowers in branching clusters. The flowers are more often white but can be pale yellow. Northern Bedstraw has leaves that are entire (without teeth), in a whorl of 4, dense, branched, showy, flower clusters and erect stems, up to 3-1/2' high; stems can have many branches. One other Bedstraw is native in Minnesota - Galium aparine L.- (Stickywilly aka Cleavers) which has very weak stems. G. boreale does not have the tiny hooks on the leaves and stem that cause clinging like it's cousin G. aparine. There are about 60 species of Bedstraw in North America. The common name comes from the use of the dried foliage of this readily available plant by the early Colonists as bedding for themselves and for their cattle as the dried leaves have a fragrant aroma which was pleasing when used as a pillow or mattress stuffing. They also have an astringent property but can be eaten in a salad. In the home garden G. boreale with its erect stems can create a backdrop for other prairie plants. It will form large patches via creeping roots, it is not particular as to soil type and can tolerate partial shade and dry conditions once established. It grows from creeping rhizomes.

	Plants of the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden
	Common Name	Scientific Name	Plant Family	Garden Location	Prime Season
	Northern Bedstraw	Galium boreale L.	Madder (Rubiaceae)	Upland	Early Summer
Other names and notes	A characteristic of all Bedstraws is leaves in a whorl - in this case a whorl of four - and small 4-parted flowers in branching clusters. The flowers are more often white but can be pale yellow. Northern Bedstraw has leaves that are entire (without teeth), in a whorl of 4, dense, branched, showy, flower clusters and erect stems, up to 3-1/2' high; stems can have many branches. One other Bedstraw is native in Minnesota - Galium aparine L.- (Stickywilly aka Cleavers) which has very weak stems. G. boreale does not have the tiny hooks on the leaves and stem that cause clinging like it's cousin G. aparine. There are about 60 species of Bedstraw in North America. The common name comes from the use of the dried foliage of this readily available plant by the early Colonists as bedding for themselves and for their cattle as the dried leaves have a fragrant aroma which was pleasing when used as a pillow or mattress stuffing. They also have an astringent property but can be eaten in a salad. In the home garden G. boreale with its erect stems can create a backdrop for other prairie plants. It will form large patches via creeping roots, it is not particular as to soil type and can tolerate partial shade and dry conditions once established. It grows from creeping rhizomes.