SafePlants

Lady's Bedstraw (Galium verum)

Lady's Bedstraw, scientifically known as Galium verum, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Rubiaceae family. It is also commonly called Yellow Bedstraw.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that some plants of the genus Galium have prickly stems.
• The plant spreads by underground runners.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that some plants of the genus Galium have prickly stems.
• The plant spreads by underground runners.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Galium verum
• Common Names: Lady's Bedstraw, Yellow Bedstraw, Yellow Spring Bedstraw, Wirtgen's Bedstraw, Robin-run-the-Hedge, Maiden's Hair, Strawbed, Cheese Rennet, Cheese Running
• Family: Rubiaceae (Bedstraw Family, Madder Family)
• Taxonomic Rank: Subspecies (Galium verum ssp.) is also mentioned as a common variation.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Europe and Asia.
• Naturalized throughout much of North America.
• Widespread across most of Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia.
• Found in grasslands, chalk downlands, meadows, heaths, sand dunes, and along country roads.
• Grows in some parts at higher altitudes and in other parts on dry ground.
• Also found in the British Isles and Mesopotamia.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Herbaceous perennial plant.
• Has a square stem with whorls of undivided, thread-like leaves.
• Clusters of small, five-petaled (f petalled) flowers.
• Slender hairy stems.
• Usually less than 30 cm tall and rather sprawling.
• Stoloniferous: spreads by underground runners.
• Stems rounded with rows of hairs.
• Leaves dark green and shiny in whorls of 8 to 12.
• Flowers are golden yellow and fragrant.

Ecological Role

• A vital component of dry, low fertility alkaline grasslands and sandy areas.
• Related to Goose Grass/Cleavers (Galium aparine), and soaks up nitrogen from the soil.
• Mentioned as a persistent problem in northeast pasture and hay fields, indicating it can be considered weedy in certain agricultural contexts.

Traditional Uses and Historical Information

• Historically used as bedding due to its soft, springy quality and pleasant scent when dried.
• Used to curdle milk for cheese, imparting a sweeter taste and yellow color. The resulting cheese has a texture similar to marscapone.
• Used as a yellow dye plant.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The Hawk-moth Hyles gallii is attracted to it.
• Serves as a food plant for several moths.

Quirky Facts

• Lady's Bedstraw was believed to be one of the plants used to stuff Mary's bed when she gave birth.
• Cheese made with Lady's Bedstraw rennet has a lovely yellow color and the texture of marscapone.

Further Information

• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) provides information on Galium verum.
• WebMD provides patient medical information.