Galium boreale (Northern Bedstraw)
| Also known as: | |
|---|---|
| Genus: | Galium |
| Family: | Rubiaceae (Madder) |
| Life cycle: | perennial |
| Origin: | native |
| Habitat: | part shade, sun; open woods, woodland edges, fields, prairies |
| Bloom season: | June - August |
| Plant height: | 1 to 3 feet |
| Wetland Indicator Status: | GP: FACU MW: FAC NCNE: FAC |
| MN county distribution (click map to enlarge): |  |
| National distribution (click map to enlarge): |  |
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Detailed Information
Flower: 
![[photo of flowers]](/udata/r9ndp23q/white/northern-bedstraw_0621_091843.jpg)
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:
![[photo of leaves]](/udata/r9ndp23q/white/northern-bedstraw_0617_153812.jpg)
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.
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More photos
Northern Bedstraw plant
a colony of plants
more flowersPhotos by K. Chayka taken at Long Lake and Vadnais/Snail Lake Regional Parks, Ramsey County. Photos courtesy Peter M. Dziuk taken in Anoka County.
Comments
Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?
on: 2015-07-07 20:27:12
"Prolific bloomer" is a characteristic I wanted to look for so I could i.d. some bedstraw, and you said it. It's very pretty this year. I'll have to check when next I'm near it, but I bet Northern Bedstraw is what I have.
on: 2017-06-19 11:19:42
Northern Bedstraw can be found very easily in well drained areas of the Shooting Star Trail...very interesting past uses...stuffing pillows and mattresses...roasting seeds for coffee substitute.
on: 2020-06-15 17:33:46
I saw this very close to the edge of a busy gravel road while walking in the early evening. Bedstraw must be really hardy as there's no shade, decent soil, or water source where it was growing.
on: 2021-06-28 17:17:06
What I found is Northern Bedstraw. It is in a woody area along the side of the gravel road. Very pretty.
on: 2022-06-14 16:39:45
Blooming 6-12-22.
on: 2022-07-02 19:10:22
Found with fields of wild daisies on the side of a gravel driveway just south of Warroad.
on: 2023-06-26 20:51:22
Along roadsides in Suomi, north of Deer River, MN, blooming in late June.
on: 2024-06-13 10:35:03
What can be done to control the expansive spreading into other wildflowers . It is overtaking some of my areas
on: 2024-06-13 15:43:27
Dan, just pull out what you don't want. Many native plants can go a bit crazy in cultivation. Whoever said native gardens are maintenance-free never had one.