Galium boreale aka Northern Bedstraw

Galium boreale is also known as northern bedstraw. It belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It grows across the Northern Hemisphere's subarctic and temperate zones. Its native range takes in Britain and Ireland. Records also cover much of Europe and parts of Asia. These include northern India, Pakistan, Japan, and western Siberia. Wild plants grow on rocky slopes and beside streams. They also grow on scree, shingle, and stable dunes.

This plant is a herbaceous perennial: it lives for years without woody stems. It forms a thick mat of growth. Thin stems stand upright above its creeping base. The RHS gives a height of 1–2 feet [0.3–0.6 metres]. Missouri Botanical Garden lists a height of 3 feet [0.91 metres]. It lists a spread of about 1.5 feet [0.46 metres]. Narrow green leaves form whorls, or rings, around the stems. The plant loses its leaves for winter. Its tiny white flowers look like stars. Missouri Botanical Garden gives a bloom season of June to July. Chicago Botanic Garden records blooms from May through August. The white blooms add interest to summer beds.

Grow northern bedstraw in sun or partial shade. Missouri Botanical Garden names partial shade as its first choice. It accepts chalk, clay, loam, and sandy soils. Soil can be acid, neutral, or alkaline. The RHS favours moist soil rich in humus. It also calls for good drainage. Missouri Botanical Garden lists moderate water needs. The RHS gives it a cold hardiness rating of H7. American sources list USDA zones 4–8. Plants reach full size within one to two years. Sow seed when ripe, or divide plants to make more.

Its creeping growth suits groundcover and less formal garden spaces. Sources suggest woods, shaded beds, and cottage gardens. They also suggest areas where plants can grow and spread. The RHS lists it for wildlife gardens too. It can spread with ease and become weedy in borders. Keep this spread in mind when choosing a site. It needs little care and no routine pruning. The RHS reports few pest or disease problems. Missouri Botanical Garden reports no serious insect or disease issues.

Plants For A Future lists leaves as edible, raw or cooked. It also records tea made from flowering stems. Roots yield a red dye. People have used the plant to stuff mattresses. The same source records past uses to increase sweating and urination. It also notes past use to prevent pregnancy. These records do not show that medical use is safe or works. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards. This does not confirm safety for pets or medical use.