Small Goosegrass (Galium murale)

Small Goosegrass

Galium murale

Delicate mat-forming groundcover with tiny white blooms. Annual herbaceous weed; common names: Small Goosegrass, Wall Bedstraw.

Full sun
1/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates reflected heat and poor growing conditions
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Watering Drought-tolerant; water only during prolonged dry spells to prevent wilting
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Temperature Tolerates light frost; thrives in temperate to warm seasonal climates
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Narrow linear leaves in whorls of 4–6; bright green, smooth texture
  • Flower: Tiny white star-shaped blooms in axillary clusters
  • Stem: Slender trailing or ascending stems with fine, sparse hairs
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Care Guide

Watering

Water occasionally during extended dry periods; avoid overwatering

Fertilization

No regular fertilization required. Fertilization may encourage excessive, leggy growth

Crushed eggshell powder:Sprinkle a thin layer over soil surface to improve drainage and add mild calcium supplementation; avoid overapplication
Pruning
  • Trim back spent blooms to reduce self-seeding if unwanted
  • Remove excess trailing stems to maintain a neat mat form
  • Clear away dead foliage in late autumn to tidy growing areas
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: No documented toxicity to cats

Humans: No known toxicity to humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Groundcover for rock gardens, erosion control in dry areas, wild pollinator habitat