Identification
The 1-3 foot long stems of this native perennial are rarely upright; rather they tend to sprawl over the ground or adjacent vegetation, often forming tangles. Stems have whorls of six elliptical leaves, which are widest at or below the middle and come to a fine point at the tip (B,F). The tiny flowers (1/6 inch) are greenish-white with four petals which have elongated tips (D). The tiny fruit has hooked hairs which readily cling to animal fur or human clothing- similar to Velcro (E).
Of our 5 bedstraw species only much less common Shining Bedstraw (G. concinnum) has leaves in whorls of 6 but they are much smaller and narrower as shown in photo (G). Also, it has pure white flowers and the tiny fruits are smooth and hairless. See comments for details on bedstraw ID.
This bedstraw is common on the floodplain and in moister spots in upland woods at Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods. Flowering occurs from mid-June to August.
Less common Shining Bedstraw (Galium concinnum), does have leaves in whorls of 6 but its leaves are much smaller, narrower and more delicate. It also has pure white flowers and smooth and hairless fruits (photo G). The abundant Catchweed Bedstraw (Galium aparine) has narrower leaves that occur mainly in whorls of 8 rather than 6. Uncommon Cross Cleavers (Galium circaezens) and rare Bluntleaf Bedstraw (Galium obtusum) have only 4 leaves per whorl.
Flowers often occur in groups of three; hence the genus name triflorum. The vanilla scented odor of the dried plant appears responsible for the common name, Sweet-scented Bedstraw.
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