White Bedstraw (Galium album)

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates dry, low-nutrient growing conditions

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Watering Water deeply during prolonged dry spells; drought-tolerant once established in well-drained soil

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Temperature Hardy to -20°C; withstands summer heat up to 30°C without supplemental cooling

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Leaf: Whorls of 6–8 narrow, linear, bright green leaves with rough, sandpapery margins
Flower: Tiny, fragrant white star-shaped blooms clustered in dense terminal panicles
Stem: Square, hairy stems with downward-pointing bristles for clinging to surrounding vegetation

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Watering

Water occasionally during extended dry periods; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot

Fertilization

Optional diluted organic feed once monthly for lush growth. No regular fertilization required for low-fertility wild garden plantings

Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly around plant bases to boost soil calcium without burning roots

Pruning

Deadhead spent blooms to encourage prolonged flowering and prevent self-seeding if desired
Cut back stems to ground level in late autumn to tidy winter growth
Thin overcrowded clumps every 2–3 years to improve airflow and reduce competition

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Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic to cats; no known adverse effects from ingestion

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; young shoots may be eaten in small quantities as a wild edible

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Culture: N/A

Usage: Historically used for mattress stuffing due to fragrant, dry foliage; young shoots may be eaten in small quantities as a wild edible