smooth bedstraw
Family
RubiaceaeScientific Name
Galium mollugo
Other Common Names:
false baby's breath
Synonyms (former Scientific Names):
Galium erectum
Galium mollugo ssp. erectum
Leaves
Occur in whorls of 6 to 8. Leaves are without hairs but may occasionally have hairs along the margins. Leaves are approximately 1/2 to 1 1/4 inches long by 2 to 4 mm wide. Leaves are without petioles (sessile).
Identifying Characteristics
A perennial with square stems and whorls of 6 to 8 leaves. The whorled leaves of this plant makes it easily distinguishable from most other weeds except catchweed bedstraw (Galium aparine) and Field Madder (Sherardia arvensis), which are both very similar in appearance and growth habit. However, catchweed bedstraw has hairs on the upper leaf surfaces and also has stems with tiny prickles. Additionally, catchweed bedstraw does not have rhizomes or stolons like smooth bedstraw. Field madder generally has smaller leaves than the bedstraws and the leaves occur in whorls of 4 to 6. The leaves of field madder are also more lanceolate and have much more of a distinct point than those of the bedstraw species.
Flower Seed Head
Produced in clusters on a flower stalk that arises from the area between the stem and leaves (leaf axils). Flowers consist of 4 white petals.
Seed Fruit
A 2-parted capsule that separates at maturity.
Where Found
Smooth bedstraw is primarily a weed of landscapes, nursery crops, turfgrass, and lawns that is found throughout the United States
Growth Habit
Varies:
upright and nonwoody,
vine
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
pencil
Dominant Flower Color
white
Flower Symmetry
radial symmetery
Leaf Hairs
no hairs
Leaf Shape
lance
Leaf Arrangement
whorled
Leaf Margin
entire
Leaf Structure
simple
Leaf Stalk
none
Stem Hairs
has hairs
Stem Cross Section
square or multi-edged
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
Varies:
fibrous,
rhizomes present,
stolons present
Life Cycle
perennial
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb