Hedge Bedstraw (Galium mollugo)

Hedge Bedstraw

Galium mollugo

Delicate starry blooms carpet meadows like scattered snow. Perennial herbaceous wildflower; common name: Hedge Bedstraw.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates dry, low-nutrient growing conditions
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Watering Water deeply when top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; drought-tolerant once established
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Temperature Hardy to -15°C; withstands hot summer temperatures with adequate drainage
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Whorls of 6–8 narrow, linear, softly hairy leaves arranged along square stems
  • Flower: Tiny white star-shaped blooms in loose, flat-topped terminal clusters
  • Stem: Square, slender, slightly hairy stems that may sprawl or climb adjacent vegetation
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil slightly moist during active growth; avoid overwatering

Fertilization

Optional diluted feed once monthly if growth is stunted. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent leggy, weak growth

Eggshell powder top-dress:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface and water in to release calcium gradually
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms to encourage prolonged flowering through early summer
  • Trim back sprawling stems in late autumn to maintain tidy growth and prevent self-seeding spread
  • Remove yellowing or damaged foliage to reduce fungal disease risk
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Wildflower meadow planting; traditional use as a rennet substitute for cheese making