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Bedstraw

Galium tinctorium

Last reviewed: August 2026

Bedstraw (Galium tinctorium)
Photo: Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA SCS. 1989. Midwest wetland flora: Field office illustrated guide to plant species. Midwest National Technical Center, Lincoln. Courtesy of USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Bedstraw (Galium tinctorium) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Bedstraw as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

8"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 31 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles, flies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Great PlainsEdwards PlateauEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsWestern Corn Belt PlainsGreat PlainsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsRidge and ValleyMississippi Alluvial PlainSouthern Coastal PlainSouthern Florida Coastal PlainEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Bedstraw is a low-growing native perennial with delicate, whorled leaves and tiny white flowers that bloom through summer. This spreading groundcover thrives in partial sun with moderate water and provides a soft, textured carpet in garden beds.

In an HOA neighborhood

Bedstraw takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Very informal appearance resembles weeds
  • Completely dies back in winter leaving bare patches
  • Low profile may look unkempt in formal landscapes

Wildlife value

The small white flowers attract native bees, beneficial beetles, and flies during the summer blooming period. Its low growth habit provides shelter for small beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Bedstraw need?
Bedstraw grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Bedstraw bloom?
Bedstraw blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Bedstraw native?
Bedstraw (Galium tinctorium) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 31 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Bedstraw toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Bedstraw as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Bedstraw attract?
Bedstraw draws bees, beetles, and flies.
Is Bedstraw HOA-friendly?
Bedstraw takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Bedstraw? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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