Flower:

Numerous flowers in branching clusters at the top of the stem and arising from the leaf axils in the upper plant. Individual flowers are 1/8 to ¼ inch across with 4 white petals pointed at the tip and 4 creamy-tipped stamens.

Leaves and stem:

Leaves are whorled in groups of 4. Each leaf is ¾ to 2 inches long and about ¼ inch wide, toothless, gradually tapering to a blunt point at the tip. There are 3 distinct parallel veins, and fine hairs along the leaf edges. Stems are erect, smooth and square, branching in the upper plant.

Notes:

There are several species of bedstraw growing in Minnesota, all with tiny white flowers (most with 4 petals) and whorled leaves. Distinguishing features are the number of leaves in a whorl, overall hairiness, and number and arrangement of flowers in a cluster. Northern Bedstraw is most easily identified by the whorls of 4 long, narrow leaves and its smooth stem. Northern Bedstraw is also the largest of the Galiums in Minnesota, the most common throughout the state, and the most prolific bloomer.