Identification
This native perennial, an upright plant up to 1-2 feet tall, has broad, lance-shaped leaves in whorls of 4 around the stems (A). The tiny 1/8 inch flowers with 4 greenish-white lobes with pointed tips are on branched stalks above the leaves (B,C). The small spherical fruits, turning brown or black at maturity are covered with hooked bristles (D).
Grows in undisturbed upland oak woodlands, flowering in June and July. Common in upland woods at both Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods.
A total of 5 bedstraw species have been identified at Fontenelle Forest or Neale Woods. Of these only 2 have leaves in whorls of 4. The other species with whorls of 4 leaves is Bluntleaf Bedstraw (Galium obtusum). It is rare at Fontenelle Forest where it occupies wetter sites. Also, it has pure white flowers and smooth fruits without bristles.
The common name, Licorice Bedstraw, refers to the flavor of its roots.The alternate name Cross Cleavers, refers to its propensity to cleave, i.e. stick to clothing and animal fur. It is also known as Woods Bedstraw.
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