crosswort
Family
RubiaceaeScientific Name
Cruciata laevipesOther Common Names:
crosswort
Synonyms (former Scientific Names):
Galium cruciata
Habit
Erect growth from a base that lies on the ground and curves up.
Leaves
Semi hairy, oval leaves are in whorls of 4 and are 10 to 25mm long and about half as wide. Does not have a petiole. Have long white hairs.
Identifying Characteristics
Erect with hairy stems that reach around 20 to 50 cm in height. Stems are square in cross section. Stem and leaves have long white hairs. Similar to Lady's Bedstraw, but Lady's Bedstraw has brighter yellow flowers and narrower leaves in whirls of 8 rather than 4.
Flower Seed Head
Yellow flowers are on stalks. Flowers become more frequent towards the top of the plant and have 4 petals each.
Seed Fruit
A small capsule but plant usually spreads by solons and rhizomes.
Where Found
Found in open woodlands, pastures, and roadsides.
Growth Habit
upright and nonwoody
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
Varies:
pencil,
dime
Dominant Flower Color
yellow
Flower Symmetry
radial symmetery
Leaf Hairs
has hairs
Leaf Shape
oval
Leaf Arrangement
whorled
Leaf Margin
entire
Leaf Structure
simple
Leaf Stalk
none
Stem Hairs
has hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
Varies:
rhizomes present,
stolons present
Life Cycle
perennial
Plant Type
Herb