Categories: Rubiaceae

Fen bedstraw (Galium uliginosum, Sp. Pl.: 106 (1753))

Family: Rubiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 106 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Galium

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Europe to Xinjiang, Morocco

Description

Fen bedstraw, known scientifically as Galium uliginosum, is a perennial herb renowned for its delicate, sprawling growth habit and small, white flowers. Originally classified by the esteemed botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753, this plant is a distinguished member of the Rubiaceae family.

Fen bedstraw thrives in wet and boggy habitats, predominantly found throughout Europe and extending its range as far as Xinjiang in China and Morocco in North Africa. This widespread distribution showcases the plant’s remarkable adaptability to various temperate climates and ecological zones.

Typically characterized by its slender, square stems and whorled leaves, Galium uliginosum grows in dense mats, which often form a carpet-like layer in moist environments. Its tiny flowers, each featuring four petals, bloom in clusters and contribute to the plant’s subtle yet beautiful appearance. These blooms generally appear during the summer months, attracting a variety of pollinators.

Ecologically, fen bedstraw plays a significant role in its native habitats. Its presence often indicates healthy wetland ecosystems, and it contributes to both soil stabilization and the overall biodiversity of these areas. The plant’s ability to grow in less fertile, waterlogged soils makes it an important species for maintaining the integrity of these fragile environments.

Though not commonly utilized in modern horticulture or traditional medicine, fen bedstraw holds historical significance within various cultures for its modest applications. It serves as a fascinating subject for botanists and plant enthusiasts who are keen on studying the diverse and intricate ecosystems of wetlands.

In conclusion, Fen bedstraw (Galium uliginosum) is a modest yet vital plant species, showcasing the delicate balance and rich biodiversity of wetland habitats. Its wide-ranging presence from Europe to Xinjiang and Morocco underscores the importance of preserving such environments, where plants like the fen bedstraw can continue to thrive.

Common Names

Deu: moor-labkraut
Dan: sump-snerre
Eng: fen bedstraw
Fra: gaillet des fanges, gaillet aquatique, gaillet des tourbières
Swe: luhtamatara, sumpmåra, fuktmåra
Fin: luhtamatara
Nld: ruw walstro
Nor: smaa-mour, smaa-snert
Nno: sumpmaure
Nob: sumpmaure
Sme: jeaggemáđir
Cym: briwydd y fign, briwydden y fign, gwendon arw y fign
Ita: caglio delle torbiere
Tur: kars yoğurtotu
En: Fen bedstraw
Be: Маруна багнавая
Zh: 沼猪殃殃
Kw: Kala godroth
Cs: Svízel slatinný
Da: Sump-Snerre
Nl: Ruw walstro
Et: Lodumadar
Fi: Luhtamatara
Fr: Gaillet Aquatique, Gaillet des Fanges, Gaillet fangeux, Gaillet des tourbières
De: Moor-Labkraut
Hu: Lápi galaj
It: Caglio delle Torbiere
Lv: Dūkstu madara
Lt: Liūninis lipikas
Se: Jeaggemáđir
No: Smaa-mour, Smaa-snert
Nb: Sumpmaure
Nn: Sumpmaure
Pl: Przytulia bagienna
Sv: Sumpmåra, Luhtamatara, Fuktmåra
Tr: Kars yoğurtotu
Uk: Підмаренник багновий
Cy: Briwydd y fign, Briwydden y Fign, Gwendon Arw y Fign

Synonyms

Galium grandiflorum (Gilib.)
Galium spinulosum (Mérat)
Galium hirsutum (Gilib.)
Galium spurium (Spreng.)
Galium langei (Sennen)
Galium uliginosum var. genuinum (Rouy)
Galium uliginosum subvar. rubriflorum ((Arv.-Touv.) Rouy)
Galium aquaticum (Willd.)
Galium uliginosum var. rubriflorum (Arv.-Touv.)
Galium sylvaticum subsp. supinum (Arcang.)
Galium uliginosum var. meratianum (Rouy)
Galium uliginosum var. minus (Wimm. & Grab.)
Galium uliginosum var. nanum (Gaudin)
Galium uliginosum var. ericetorum (H.Post)
Galium minus (Gilib.)
Galium uliginosum var. hirsutum (Tinant)
Galium albolutescens (Gilib.)
Galium palustre var. uliginosum ((L.) Fiori)

Distribution

Altay (native)
Austria (native)
Baltic States (native)
Belarus (native)
Belgium (native)
Bulgaria (native)
Buryatiya (native)
Central European Rus (native)
Chita (native)
Czechoslovakia (native)
Denmark (native)
East European Russia (native)
Finland (native)
France (native)
Germany (native)
Great Britain (native)
Greece (native)
Hungary (native)
Iceland (native)
Ireland (native)
Irkutsk (native)
Italy (native)
Kazakhstan (native)
Krasnoyarsk (native)
Mongolia (native)
Morocco (native)
Netherlands (native)
North European Russi (native)
Northwest European R (native)
Norway (native)
Poland (native)
Romania (native)
South European Russi (native)
Spain (native)
Sweden (native)
Switzerland (native)
Transcaucasus (native)
Turkey (native)
Tuva (native)
Ukraine (native)
West Siberia (native)
Xinjiang (native)
Yakutskiya (native)
Yugoslavia (native)
Crozet Is. (introduced)
Greenland (introduced)
New Zealand North (introduced)