Galium saxatile
heath bedstraw
Overview
Galium saxatile is a low, mat-forming perennial 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) tall, spreading by slender square stems that root at the nodes to cover 8-20 inches (20-50 cm) of ground. The narrow leaves sit in whorls of 5-6 around the stem, each 0.2-0.4 inch (4-10 mm) long, with a tiny forward-pointing tip and smooth margins. In summer the stems lift into loose, branched heads of very small white four-petalled flowers, each about 0.1 inch (3 mm) across. It forms close green carpets on acidic, well-drained ground such as heath, moor, short grassland, and woodland banks, and turns blackish when dried or frosted. The plant creeps gently rather than running, and rarely smothers neighbours, though it knits tightly through low turf. It needs lime-free soil and fails on chalk or heavy wet clay. Foliage stays low and persistent in mild winters, dying back in hard cold. The species is a larval food plant for several moths and shelters small invertebrates among its stems.
Native Range
Galium saxatile is native to western and central Europe, from the British Isles and Scandinavia south to the mountains of Iberia and Italy. It grows on acidic heaths, moorland, upland grassland, and open woodland.Suggested Uses
Used as low ground cover in acid soil, heath and moorland plantings, rock gardens, and the front of woodland edges. Also grown between stepping stones and over low banks where a creeping green carpet is wanted.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 6"
Width/Spread8" - 1'8"
Bloom Information
Small white flowers open from June to August in branched clusters held just above the foliage mat. Bloom is light but spread across the whole plant. Tiny flies and beetles visit the open flowers.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight