Plant Overview
A British native wildflower found in hedgerows, edges of woods and meadows.
Flowers from spring to late summer.
Very good for a wildflower area or meadow and will gently self-seed. Loved by bees and pollinating insects.
Hedge Bedstraw is similar in looks and taste to Cleavers but lacks the hooked hairs and general roughness so is good to eat raw or it can be used to make a tea or soup.
Height: 60cm
Common name(s): Hedge Bedstraw, False Babies Breath
Synonym: Galium mollugo
History and Legend
Before the advent of the modern mattress, Bedstraw was used for bedding thanks to its soft and springy quality and pleasant scent - it smells of hay when dry.
Photo: Creative Commons License