Northern Bedstraw

Galium boreale

Physical Characteristics

Galium boreale is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies, beetles. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Northern and central Europe, including Britain, south and west to N. Italy and W. Asia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Tea Leaves - raw or cooked[62, 172]. A tea is made from the flowering stems[172].

Medicinal Uses

Contraceptive Diaphoretic Diuretic The plant is diaphoretic and diuretic[257]. A decoction has been used as a contraceptive[257]. Both Asperuloside (a terpenoid) and Coumarin (a benzopyrone) occur in some species of Galium. Asperuloside can be converted into prostaglandins (hormone-like compounds that stimulate the uterus and affect blood vessels), making the genus of great interest to the pharmaceutical industry[238].

Known Hazards

None known