Yellow Bedstraw
Galium verum
Rubiaceae
Other names
Our-Lady'S Bedstraw
Growth habit
Herbaceous
Perennation
Long-lived polycarpic perennial
Native distribution
Europe to Iran; Naturalized and Weedy in N. America
Biocultural value
Roots yield dye in shades of red. Flowers yield yellow on wool and provide coloring for cheeses.
Location
Source of plant
Audry O'Connor
Description
Perennial reaching 3' in height with somewhat woody base; stems often decumbent; leaves in whorls of 6 to 8, linear, to 1/2" long, bristle-tipped, flowers yellow, borne throughout the summer, fruit smooth.
USDA Hardiness Zone
5
Special characteristics
other ethnobotanical uses, fragrance