Galium verum aka Yellow Spring Bedstraw

Galium verum is a perennial herb in the Rubiaceae family. Gardeners know it as lady's bedstraw or yellow bedstraw. Its native range covers Europe, Asia, and northwest Africa. It is native to Britain and Ireland. It has also spread through much of southern Canada and the northern United States. It grows in meadows, dunes, rocky sites, and roadsides. It also grows on banks and near the sea.

Plants stand upright or sprawl into a low mat. Garden heights range from about 0.3–2.5 feet (0.1–0.76 m). Listed spreads range from 0.3–3 feet (0.1–0.91 m). RHS gives smaller dimensions than Missouri Botanical Garden. Stems can reach 3.9 feet (1.2 m) long. They may form roots where they touch the soil. Narrow green leaves grow in whorls around the stems. The plant sheds its leaves for winter. Creeping roots and self-sown seed help it spread.

Small yellow flowers grow in dense clusters at stem tips. Each flower has four lobes, and the blooms have scent. Missouri Botanical Garden lists flowering from July through September. Chicago Botanic Garden reports an earlier season, from May through August. The flowers supply nectar for bees and butterflies. The plant also feeds the caterpillars of several moths. It suits wildlife meadows, cottage gardens, slopes, and ground-cover planting. Its spread can make it troublesome in garden borders.

Grow it in sun or partial shade with good drainage. Partial shade suits places with hot summers. It prefers moist soil but also grows in dry ground. Its rhizomes and branched taproots store water during dry spells. Avoid heavy soil that drains poorly. RHS lists neutral or alkaline soil and hardiness H7. US sources list zones 4–8, or 3–8 in Chicago. It needs no pruning and grows from seed or division. Serious pest problems are uncommon. Powdery mildew, rust, and fungal leaf spot can occur.

PFAF lists leaves as edible either raw or cooked. It also lists edible seeds and roasted seeds as a coffee substitute. Flowering stems supply yellow food colouring. The chopped plant can help curdle plant milks. Roots yield red dye, while flowering tops yield yellow dye. Dried plants smell of hay and once filled mattresses. Herbal uses include urinary and skin complaints, but these are traditional uses. PFAF reports no known hazards; this does not establish pet safety.