Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Galium boreale or northern bedstraw is a plant species of the Rubiaceae. It is widespread over the temperate and subarctic regions of Europe, Asia and North America including most of Canada and the northern United States. Gallium boreale is edible, with a sweet smell and taste, and can be eaten as a wild salad green. Varieties such as Galium boreale which do not contain the small hooks on the stem are not as palatable as the hooked varieties of Galium, like Galium aparine, but are important plants to remember for survival purposes.

Plant type

Perennial herb

Size

3 ft Tall

Form

Upright

Growth rate

Moderate

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Color

White

Flowering season

Spring

Soil description

Prefers sandy or loamy soils. Does not grow well in clay soils.

Plant communities

Red Fir Forest, Yellow Pine Forest

Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

1 confirmed and 5 likely

Confirmed Likely

Epirrhoe plebeculata

Dainty Sulphur

Nathalis iole