Galium triflorum
fragrant bedstraw
Northern Hemisphere (North America and Eurasia)
Overview
Galium triflorum is a sprawling perennial herb of the madder family, with weak, four-angled stems 8-32 inches (20-80 cm) long that lean on surrounding vegetation. The narrow, oblong leaves are 0.5-2 inches (1.3-5 cm) long and arranged in whorls of mostly six around the stem, with tiny backward-pointing prickles that cling to clothing and fur. From early to midsummer the stems carry small greenish-white to cream flowers, usually in groups of three on slender branched stalks. The flowers give way to round, bristly fruits covered in hooked hairs that catch on passing animals to spread the seed. When dried, the foliage releases a sweet vanilla-like scent from coumarin. It grows in moist, shaded woodlands, spreading slowly by rhizomes and self-sown seed to form loose patches. It tolerates deep shade and rich, damp soil but declines in hot, dry, or fully sunny sites.
Native Range
Native across the cooler parts of the Northern Hemisphere, including much of North America and temperate Eurasia. It grows in moist, shaded forests, streambanks, and thickets, often in rich woodland soils.Suggested Uses
Grown as a groundcover and filler in shaded woodland and native plantings, spaced 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart. The dried, vanilla-scented foliage is also used in sachets and potpourri.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 2'8"
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Flowers from early to midsummer, roughly June and July. The tiny greenish-white flowers open in threes on branched stalks above the foliage. Bristly seed capsules follow and ripen by late summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 4 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