Pronounced (approximate): GAL-ee-um bor-ee-AL-ee
Many small white four-lobed flowers form branched clusters. Narrow leaves occur in whorls of four.
Northern Bedstraw (Galium boreale): flower details. Tap the photo to open the gallery.
Family Rubiaceae
Life cycle Perennial
Blooms June–August
Height 1 to 3 feet
Habitat part shade, sun; open woods, woodland edges, fields, prairies
Common names: Northern Bedstraw
Bloom timing varies with latitude, weather and local conditions.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
part shade, sun; open woods, woodland edges, fields, prairies. Flowering season: June–August.
Look for whorls of four leaves. Several other bedstraws have more leaves per whorl or a much weaker sprawling habit.
Many small white four-lobed flowers form branched clusters.
Narrow leaves occur in whorls of four.
Erect stems carry clearly visible leaf whorls. Pair close views with a photograph of the whole plant.
6 field photographs. Select a photograph to enlarge it; use Load more photos to see the rest.
Native in North America.
Reported U.S. distribution
AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, IA, ID, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Includes native and introduced state records where listed; a state record does not imply occurrence in every county.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing Northern Bedstraw in the flower quiz, or compare it with other plants in the guide.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.