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Summary
Physical Characteristics
Galium verum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies, beetles. The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Plant Habitats
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Meadow;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Leaves Seed
Edible Uses: Coffee Colouring Curdling agent Drink
Leaves - raw or cooked[62, 179]. A yellow dye from the flowering stems is used as a food colouring[105, 183]. The roasted seed is a coffee substitute[7]. The seed is also said to be edible[179]. The chopped up plant can be used as a rennet to coagulate plant milks[7, 67, 115, 183, 244]. The flowering tops are distilled in water to make a refreshing acid beverage[2, 183].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antispasmodic Astringent Diuretic Epilepsy Foot care Lithontripic Urinary Vulnerary
Lady's bedstraw has a long history of use as a herbal medicine, though it is little used in modern medicine. Its main application is as a diuretic and as a treatment for skin complaints[254]. The leaves, stems and flowering shoots are antispasmodic, astringent, diuretic, foot care, lithontripic and vulnerary[4, 7, 9]. The plant is used as a remedy in gravel, stone or urinary disorders[4, 9, 53, 238] and is believed to be a remedy for epilepsy[4, 21]. A powder made from the fresh plant is used to soothe reddened skin and reduce inflammation[7] whilst the plant is also used as a poultice on cuts, skin infections, slow-healing wounds etc[9]. The plant is harvested as it comes into flower and is dried for later use[9]. Both Asperuloside (a terpenoid) and Coumarin (a benzopyrone) occur in some species of Galium. Asperuloside can be converted into prostaglandins (hormone-like compounds that stimulate the uterus and affect blood vessels), making the genus of great interest to the pharmaceutical industry[238].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Dye Repellent Strewing Stuffing
A red dye is obtained from the root[4, 6, 7, 67, 115]. It is rather fiddly to utilize[169]. A yellow dye is obtained from the flowering tops[4, 7, 115]. The dye is obtained from the foliage when it is boiled with alum[207]. The dried plant has the scent of newly mown hay, it was formerly used as a strewing herb[24] and for stuffing mattresses etc[61, 67, 115]. It is said to keep fleas away[207]. A sprig in a shoe is said to prevent blisters[67].
Special Uses
Attracts Wildlife
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Prefers a loose moist leafy soil in some shade, but it tolerates a position in full sun[14]. Plants are tolerant of dry soils[1], but do not thrive in a hot climate. They dislike very acid soils[17, 53]. A very invasive plant[1], though it is low-growing and mixes without harm with any plants at least 60cm tall[K]. It grows well in the summer meadow[24] and is a food plant for the larvae of several species of butterflies[30].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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The PFAF Bookshop
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Plant Propagation
Seed - best sown in situ as soon as it is ripe in late summer[200]. The seed can also be sown in situ in the spring though it may be very slow to germinate[200]. Division in spring. The plant can be successfully divided throughout the growing season if the divisions are kept moist until they are established[200]. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Native Range
TEMPERATE ASIA: Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Russian Federation-Ciscaucasia (Ciscaucasia), Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russian Federation (Dagestan), Russian Federation-Western Siberia (Western Siberia), Russian Federation-Eastern Siberia (Eastern Siberia), Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Russian Federation-Far East (Far East), China (north), Korea, Japan TROPICAL ASIA: Pakistan EUROPE: Denmark, Finland, United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Russian Federation (European part), Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Moldova, Ukraine (incl. Krym), Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Croatia, Italy, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, France, Portugal AFRICA: Algeria (north), Morocco, Tunisia
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
L.
Botanical References
17200
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