Cruciata laevipes aka Crosswort

Cruciata laevipes, or crosswort, belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It is a perennial of temperate regions. Its native range runs from Europe to Iran. It also reaches central Siberia and the western Himalaya. The RHS lists it as native to Britain and Ireland. Other names include honeywort, maywort and mugweed. Older names include Galium cruciata and Valantia cruciata.

Crosswort grows to about 2 feet [0.6 metres] tall. Its wild habitats include open woods, scrub and hedges. It also grows beside roads and paths, and in pastures. It often occurs on soils rich in lime. These habitats suit its use along a woodland garden edge. Dappled shade and hedgerow planting also fit its needs. Its strong flower scent adds interest to these sites.

Flowers appear from May to June and have a sweet scent. Each flower has both male and female organs. Bees and flies pollinate the blooms. Seeds ripen from June to July, after the flowering season. The supplied sources give no further flower or fruit details. They also give no mature spread or detailed leaf description.

For cultivation, choose loose soil with leaf matter and some shade. Crosswort accepts sandy, loamy and clay soils. It grows across mildly acid, neutral and alkaline conditions. It can also cope with very alkaline ground. Moist soil suits it, though it tolerates dry soil too. Full sun can soon scorch the leaves. Some shade is therefore the safer choice for garden planting. The plant does not grow well in hot climates. Plants For A Future gives its hardiness as UK zone 2. This is not an RHS H-scale rating.

Propagation is possible by seed or by dividing established clumps. Plants For A Future recommends sowing ripe seed where plants will grow. Spring sowing is possible, but germination may take a long time. Divide plants in spring or during the growing season. Keep divisions well watered while they settle. Larger pieces can go straight into their final sites. Grow smaller pieces under cold-frame cover until they root well. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. The roots also yield a red dye. Past herbal uses included wound care and treatment of digestive complaints. These records describe traditional uses, not proof of safe treatment. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards for this species. That does not establish safety for pets or every person.