Galium palustre
common marsh bedstraw
A clump-forming native perennial of wet and marshy areas, about 50cm tall with thin stems and mid green leaves in whorls of 4 to 6. Loose pyramidal panicles of white flowers to 3mm across, occasionally greenish with 4 petals and red anthers, open from pinkish buds, in early to late summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Rubiaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Galium can be annuals or perennials, with weak, sometimes scrambling stems bearing whorls of narrow leaves and usually terminal panicles of small, white or yellow flowers
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in almost any, moist, humus-rich soil in sun or part shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed as soon as ripe, propagate by separating rhizomes in autumn or early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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