Awned bedstraw (Galium aristatum, Sp. Pl. ed. 2.: 152 (1762))

Family: Rubiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl. ed. 2.: 152 (1762)

Year: 1762

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Galium

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Pyrenees, Alps

Description

Awned bedstraw, scientifically known as Galium aristatum, is a captivating plant that has intrigued botanists and nature enthusiasts alike since its documentation in the seminal work Species Plantarum, second edition from 1762, authored by Carl Linnaeus. This perennial herb is a proud member of the Rubiaceae family, which is renowned for its variety of flowering plants.

Galium aristatum finds its home in the rugged terrains of the Pyrenees and the Alps, which offer the perfect blend of climatic and soil conditions for its growth. These mountainous regions are renowned for their rich biodiversity, and the awned bedstraw adds to this natural wealth with its unique characteristics.

The plant itself is notable for its distinctive awns—long, slender bristles—that give it its common name. These awns are part of the plant’s reproductive strategy, aiding in seed dispersal by attaching to passing animals or falling onto fertile ground. The leaves of the awned bedstraw are typically arranged in whorls, a common feature in the Rubiaceae family, and are small and lanceolate, contributing to its delicate yet resilient nature.

Flowering in the summer months, Galium aristatum produces tiny, star-shaped flowers that can range in color from pure white to a soft pink. These blooms, while modest in size, are critical for attracting pollinators, which play a vital role in the plant’s propagation across its mountainous habitat.

Ecologically, awned bedstraw serves multiple purposes. It is a part of the alpine and subalpine ecosystems, often forming ground cover that helps prevent soil erosion. Moreover, it adds to the aesthetic appeal of the meadows and rocky outcrops where it is found, enhancing the natural beauty of these landscapes.

Understanding the presence and flourishing of Galium aristatum in the Pyrenees and the Alps allows for a deeper appreciation of the botanical richness of these regions. It underscores the intricate balance of nature, where even a small plant like the awned bedstraw plays a significant role in its ecosystem.

The study of plants such as Galium aristatum not only enriches our botanical knowledge but also emphasizes the importance of conserving these natural habitats. These efforts ensure that the delicate beauty and ecological contributions of the awned bedstraw continue to be a part of our natural world for generations to come.

Common Names

Eng: awned bedstraw
Deu: grannen-labkraut, grannen-wald-labkraut
En: Awned bedstraw
Be: Маруна асцюкаватая
Fr: Gaillet aristé
De: Grannen-Labkraut, Grannen-Wald-Labkraut, Begranntes Labkraut, Granniges Wald-Labkraut
It: Caglio aristato

Synonyms

• Asperula papillosa (A.Kern. ex Nyman)
• Galium stenophyllum (Schur)
• Galium sylvaticum (Besser)
• Galium bericum (Turra)
• Galium sylvaticum var. typicum (Rouy)
• Galium aristatum f. brevifolium (Bolzon)
• Galium transsilvanicum (Schur)
• Galium mollugo var. aristatum ((L.) Duby)
• Galium aristatum var. transsilvanicum ((Schur) Nyman)
• Galium laevigatum var. aristatum ((L.) Gren.)
• Galium sylvaticum subsp. aristatum ((L.) Rouy)
• Galium erectum var. transsilvanicum ((Schur) Nyman)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Italy (native)
• Switzerland (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken May 30, 2021 by herzog michaela (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 12, 2018 by Mazzucato Filippo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 28, 2020 by David Nabergoj (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2021 by Pietro Brignoli (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 14, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 18, 2019 by MICHEL DUSSERE (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 25, 2022 by Francois Mansour (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 1999 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2913280)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:749540-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Galium aristatum L.)

Specifications

Growth