Lady's Bedstraw, Yellow Spring bedstraw, Wirtgen's bedstraw

Galium verum

Physical Characteristics

Galium verum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies, beetles. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

Most of Europe, including Britain, to W. Asia.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Meadow;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Edible Uses: Coffee Colouring Curdling agent Drink Leaves - raw or cooked[62, 179]. A yellow dye from the flowering stems is used as a food colouring[105, 183]. The roasted seed is a coffee substitute[7]. The seed is also said to be edible[179]. The chopped up plant can be used as a rennet to coagulate plant milks[7, 67, 115, 183, 244]. The flowering tops are distilled in water to make a refreshing acid beverage[2, 183].

Medicinal Uses

Antispasmodic Astringent Diuretic Epilepsy Foot care Lithontripic Urinary Vulnerary Lady's bedstraw has a long history of use as a herbal medicine, though it is little used in modern medicine. Its main application is as a diuretic and as a treatment for skin complaints. The leaves, stems and flowering shoots are antispasmodic, astringent, diuretic, foot care, lithontripic and vulnerary. The plant is used as a remedy in gravel, stone or urinary disorders and is believed to be a remedy for epilepsy. A powder made from the fresh plant is used to soothe reddened skin and reduce inflammation whilst the plant is also used as a poultice on cuts, skin infections, slow-healing wounds etc. The plant is harvested as it comes into flower and is dried for later use. 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.

Known Hazards

None known