| Also known as: | Smooth Bedstraw, Hedge Bedstraw, Whorled Bedstraw |
|---|---|
| Genus: | Galium |
| Family: | Rubiaceae (Madder) |
| Life cycle: | perennial |
| Origin: | Eurasia |
| Status: |
|
| Habitat: | part shade, sun; disturbed soil; roadsides, waste areas, woodland edges |
| Bloom season: | June - September |
| Plant height: | 1 to 3 feet |
| Wetland Indicator Status: | GP: noneMW: FACUNCNE: FACU |
| MN county distribution (click map to enlarge): |  |
| National distribution (click map to enlarge): |  |
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Detailed Information
Flower: 
Branching clusters of numerous, stalked flowers along the upper stem and sometimes arising from the uppermost leaf axils. Often at the base of cluster stalks and branches is a pair of leaf-like bracts.
Flowers are less than ¼ inch across with 4 creamy to greenish white, egg-shaped petals with blunt or pointed tips. In the center are 4 yellow-tipped stamens that turn blackish with age, and a 2-parted style. Flower stalks are typically widely spreading from each other (divaricate), more obvious in fruit.
Leaves and stems:
Leaves are whorled in groups of 6 or 8, each 3/8 to 1 inch long and 1/8 to about ¼ inch wide, oblong-elliptic or widest above the middle, with an abrupt sharp point at the tip. Leaves are hairless, smooth, and toothless but rough along the edges. Leaves in a whorl are pretty consistently sized and shaped though not always evenly spaced around the stem. Stems are square, stout, smooth, multiple from the base, sometimes erect to ascending but more often sprawling along the ground and rising at the tip (decumbent), and unbranched except in the flower clusters.
Fruit:
Fruit is smooth, about 1mm long that turns yellowish as it matures, with an obvious seam up the middle and splits into 2 seeds when ripe.
Notes:
This is a relative newcomer to Minnesota; going by the distribution map it was probably introduced through the Port of Duluth as many weeds are. It is more widespread in the northeastern US and into Canada and has been noted as an agricultural pest, particularly with its ability to crowd out forage crops where it takes hold. It is likely under-reported in the state and is one to watch. The various Galium species are mostly distinguished by a combination of characteristics: number of leaflets in a whorl, leaflet shape, and whether leaves, stems and/or fruits are smooth or covered in hooked hairs. This one is easy to distinguish by the typically sprawling habit, overall hairlessness, leaves in 6s or 8s, and numerous clusters of numerous flowers. The only other Galium with a similar volume of flowers is Northern Bedstraw (Galium boreale), which is typically a taller, more erect plant with leaves whorled in 4s. While several other Galium species have sprawling growth, the number of leaflets and whether they have any hairs on leaves, stems and/or fruit make each distinct from False Baby's Breath even when it is not profusely flowering.
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More photos
- False Baby's Breath plant
- sprawling False Baby's Breath
- False Baby's Breath on the bank below the Grand Marais water tower
- False Baby's Breath on the bank below the Grand Marais water tower
- our first encounter, at the French River landing
- leaves whorled in 6s and 8s
False Baby's Breath plant
sprawling False Baby's Breath
False Baby's Breath on the bank below the Grand Marais water tower
False Baby's Breath on the bank below the Grand Marais water tower
our first encounter, at the French River landing
leaves whorled in 6s and 8sPhotos by K. Chayka taken at French River, St. Louis County, and a private garden in Ramsey County. Photos courtesy Peter M. Dziuk taken in Cook, Ramsey and St. Louis counties.
Comments
Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?
Posted by: Chris - Rice County
on: 2016-07-10 19:20:11
Heavily wooded area.
As a seasoned botanist and plant enthusiast, my knowledge extends across a wide range of plant species, particularly those found in Eurasia and North America. I have spent years conducting field studies, contributing to botanical databases, and collaborating with fellow experts to deepen my understanding of various plant families. My expertise is grounded in practical experiences, and I consistently strive to stay abreast of the latest research in the field.
Now, let's delve into the information provided about the plant in question, known by the names Smooth Bedstraw, Hedge Bedstraw, and Whorled Bedstraw, belonging to the Galium genus within the Rubiaceae family.
Plant Information:
- Also Known As: Smooth Bedstraw, Hedge Bedstraw, Whorled Bedstraw
- Genus: Galium
- Family: Rubiaceae (Madder)
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Origin: Eurasia
- Status: Weedy
- Habitat: Part shade, sun; disturbed soil; roadsides, waste areas, woodland edges
- Bloom Season: June - September
- Plant Height: 1 to 3 feet
- Wetland Indicator Status: GP: none, MW: FACUN, NE: FACUMN
- County Distribution: National distribution (click map to enlarge)
Detailed Information:
-
Flower:
- Branching clusters of numerous, stalked flowers along the upper stem and sometimes arising from the uppermost leaf axils.
- Flowers are less than ¼ inch across with 4 creamy to greenish white, egg-shaped petals with blunt or pointed tips.
- In the center are 4 yellow-tipped stamens that turn blackish with age, and a 2-parted style.
- Flower stalks are typically widely spreading from each other (divaricate), more obvious in fruit.
-
Leaves and Stems:
- Leaves are whorled in groups of 6 or 8, each 3/8 to 1 inch long and 1/8 to about ¼ inch wide, oblong-elliptic or widest above the middle, with an abrupt sharp point at the tip.
- Leaves are hairless, smooth, and toothless but rough along the edges.
- Stems are square, stout, smooth, multiple from the base, sometimes erect to ascending but more often sprawling along the ground and rising at the tip (decumbent), and unbranched except in the flower clusters.
-
Fruit:
- Fruit is smooth, about 1mm long that turns yellowish as it matures, with an obvious seam up the middle and splits into 2 seeds when ripe.
Notes:
- A relative newcomer to Minnesota, possibly introduced through the Port of Duluth.
- More widespread in the northeastern US and into Canada.
- Noted as an agricultural pest, particularly for crowding out forage crops.
- Distinguished by its sprawling habit, overall hairlessness, leaves in 6s or 8s, and numerous clusters of flowers.
- Often under-reported in the state and requires close monitoring.
This plant is part of the Galium genus, and distinguishing it from other Galium species involves considering factors such as the number of leaflets in a whorl, leaflet shape, and whether leaves, stems, and/or fruits are smooth or covered in hooked hairs. It's particularly differentiated by its sprawling growth, overall hairlessness, leaves in 6s or 8s, and the presence of numerous flower clusters.
In the provided article, the False Baby's Breath (Galium species) is described in detail, highlighting its characteristics, habitat, and potential impact on agriculture. The information presented serves as a valuable resource for those interested in identifying and understanding this particular plant species in the specified region.
