Family: Rubiaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 106 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Galium
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: SE. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A. and Mexico, Hispaniola
Description
Bedstraw, scientifically known as Galium tinctorium, is a fascinating and widespread herbaceous plant native to a diverse range of geographic locations, from Southeastern Canada and Central and Eastern United States to Mexico and Hispaniola. First described in the seminal work “Species Plantarum” by the eminent botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753, this plant has continued to intrigue botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.
Belonging to the Rubiaceae family, Bedstraw is renowned for its ability to adapt to various environments, which has contributed to its extensive distribution. The plant typically thrives in moist habitats such as wetlands, marshes, and along riverbanks, where it can form dense, mat-like colonies that are easily recognizable.
Bedstraw is characterized by its slender, branching stems that are often covered in tiny, hooked hairs, aiding it in climbing and sprawling over other vegetation. Its leaves are arranged in whorls, a distinctive feature that allows it to maximize sunlight capture and optimize its growth. The plant blooms with small, delicate flowers, usually white or pale green, which are borne in clusters and contribute to its overall delicate and feathery appearance.
Historically, Galium tinctorium has been utilized for various practical purposes. Its name, “tinctorium,” hints at its traditional use in dyeing; the roots of the plant were once used to produce red dye. Additionally, in folk medicine, different parts of the plant were often used for their purported health benefits, although such uses are more historical and anecdotal.
Ecologically, Bedstraw plays a vital role in its native habitats. By creating ground cover, it helps prevent soil erosion and provides habitat and food for various insect species, which in turn contribute to the overall health and biodiversity of the ecosystem.
In summary, Bedstraw (Galium tinctorium) is more than just a common plant; it is a resilient species deeply integrated into its environment, with a rich history of utility and ecological significance. Its widespread presence across such a broad region underscores its adaptability and importance in the natural world.
Common Names
Eng: bedstraw, cleavers, stiff marsh bedstraw, dyer’s bedstraw, clayton’s bedstraw, small bedstraw
Fra: gaillet des teinturiers
En: Bedstraw, Cleavers, Stiff marsh bedstraw, DYE BEDSTRAW, Dyer’s bedstraw, Clayton’s bedstraw, Small bedstraw
Fi: Värimaratti
Fr: Gaillet des teinturiers
Lv: Krāsu madara
Synonyms
- Galium tinctorium var. diversifolium (W.Wight)
- Galium tinctorium var. submontanum (W.Wight)
- Galium tinctorium subsp. floridanum ((Wiegand) Puff)
- Galium obtusum var. floridanum ((Wiegand) Fernald)
- Galium tinctorium var. floridanum (Wiegand)
- Galium trifidum subsp. tinctorium ((L.) H.Hara)
- Galium claytonii (Michx.)
- Galium trifidum var. tinctorium ((L.) Torr. & A.Gray)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maine (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Montana (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- Newfoundland (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Prince Edward I. (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- Washington (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2913380)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:750741-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Galium tinctorium L.)
