northern bedstraw
Galium boreale
USDA zones4 to 8
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size1 to 3 feet tall12 to 18 inches wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- White
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil pH
- Acidic (pH<6.8)
Garden uses
Notes
Northern bedstraw (Galium boreale) is a perennial for woodland and meadow gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and average to moist soil. Masses of tiny white flowers top the mounded, many-branched stems. The narrow leaves grow in whorls of four. It often forms sizable patches, so give it room away from more delicate plants.
Pairs well with Cardinal flower, Obedient plant, and Cinnamon fern.
Native range
North America, Europe, and Asia.