Categories: Rubiaceae

European bedstraw (Galium rubioides, Sp. Pl.: 105 (1753))

Family: Rubiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 105 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Galium

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: C. Europe to Russian Far East and NE. Türkiye

Description

European bedstraw, scientifically referred to as Galium rubioides, is a noteworthy plant species that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. This species was first described and categorized in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his groundbreaking work, Species Plantarum.

This plant has a wide geographic distribution, thriving in regions from Central Europe all the way to the Russian Far East, and can also be found in the northeastern parts of Türkiye. European bedstraw’s broad adaptability to different climatic conditions is a testament to its resilience and ecological versatility.

Belonging to the Rubiaceae family, European bedstraw shares its lineage with other notable plants such as coffee and gardenia, which are also known for their significant contributions to both ecological systems and human use. Its family, often referred to as the “madder family,” is known for species that typically have small, usually four-petaled flowers and leaves arranged in whorls.

The plant itself is characterized by delicate, whorled leaves and small, often white or greenish flowers, which can add an understated beauty to its natural habitat. Historically, plants in the Galium genus have been used for various purposes, including as a traditional mattress stuffing—hence the common name “bedstraw.”

In summary, with its extensive range across various parts of Europe and Asia, Galium rubioides or European bedstraw stands out as a resilient and ecologically significant plant. Its inclusion in the Rubiaceae family links it to a rich legacy of species that have both ecological importance and utility for humans.

Common Names

Eng: european bedstraw
Fra: gaillet fausse garance
Deu: krappartiges labkraut
Lav: rubiju madara
Ces: svízel mořenovitý
Est: värvipuu-madar
En: European bedstraw
Cs: Svízel mořenovitý
Et: Värvipuu-madar
Fr: Gaillet fausse Garance
De: Krappartiges Labkraut
It: Caglio falsa robbia
Lv: Rubiju madara

Synonyms

Galium articulatum (Lam.)
Galium dasypodum (Klokov)
Galium physocarpum (Ledeb.)
Galium praeboreale (Klokov)
Galium rubioides subsp. dasypodum ((Klokov) Tzvelev)
Galium rubioides var. dasycarpum (Regel & Herder)
Galium articulatum var. pygmaeum ((DC.) Nyman)
Galium boreale subsp. exoletum ((Klokov) Soják)
Galium boreale subsp. rubioides ((L.) Čelak.)
Galium rubioides var. articulatum ((Lam.) Nyman)
Galium geniculatum (Roem. & Schult.)
Galium boreale subsp. mugodsharicum ((Pobed.) Soják)
Galium salicifolium (Klokov)
Galium volgense (Pobed.)
Galium mugodsharicum (Pobed.)
Galium pygmaeum (DC.)
Galium ruboides (Hill)
Galium rubioides var. eriophyllum (Bordz.)
Galium nervosum var. rubioides ((L.) Lam.)
Galium verticillatum var. leiocarpum (Regel & Herder)
Galium exoletum (Klokov)
Galium boreale var. rubioides ((L.) Čelak.)