How to Grow and Care for Bedstraws

Cleavers are widely-distributed weeds found around the world. They grow many nearly invisible hook-shaped spines on their stems. These make the plant feel sticky to the skin, and can cause contact dermatitis in some individuals. Cleavers come from the same family as coffee and can be used to create a less caffeinated version of coffee.

Hedge bedstraw (Galium mollugo) is a flowering herb native to Europe and North Africa. Hedge bedstraw is also commonly referred to as "false baby's breath". Hedge bedstraw grows at high elevations in hedges, meadows, and paths. It is considered a noxious weed in several eastern United States.

Lady's bedstraw (Galium verum) is native to Eurasia and North Africa but has become naturalized in parts of North America as well. The smell of the plant is a flea-repellant and it was sometimes used for bedding material in medieval Europe. Galium verum produces bright yellow flowers that can coagulate milk and have been used in cheese-making.

Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) is a perennial herb that grows from 15 to 30 cm tall. Popular for its fragrant leaves and lacy, star-shaped flowers that blossom in spring and summer. It prefers shady locations and makes an excellent ground cover under trees and other shaded conditions. Thrives in moist, well-drained soil.

An annual, white bedstraw is found in pastures and grassy banks across Europe. It grows clusters of yellowish or whitish flowers on top of square, hairless stems. Planted en masse or growing wild in pastures, these flowers make an impressive sight.