How much sun does Bluntleaf Bedstraw need?

Bluntleaf Bedstraw grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Bluntleaf Bedstraw bloom?

Bluntleaf Bedstraw blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Bluntleaf Bedstraw native?

Bluntleaf Bedstraw (Galium obtusum) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 31 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Bluntleaf Bedstraw toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Bluntleaf Bedstraw as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Bluntleaf Bedstraw attract?

Bluntleaf Bedstraw draws bees and beetles.

Is Bluntleaf Bedstraw HOA-friendly?

Bluntleaf Bedstraw takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Bluntleaf Bedstraw

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Galium obtusum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Bluntleaf Bedstraw (Galium obtusum) 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 Bluntleaf Bedstraw as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

8"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 31 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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 Plains East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Great Plains Piedmont Northern Glaciated Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Northern Forests Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Bluntleaf bedstraw is a low-growing native perennial that forms loose clumps with small, narrow leaves arranged in whorls around square stems. It produces tiny white flowers in summer and has a somewhat informal, meadow-like appearance. This plant works well as groundcover in naturalized areas or mixed perennial borders.

In an HOA neighborhood

Bluntleaf 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.

Has a weedy, informal appearance that may not meet front yard standards
Low height and loose growth habit can look unkempt
Name includes 'bedstraw' which has negative connotations

Wildlife value

The small white flowers attract native bees and beetles during the summer blooming period. The plant also provides habitat for beneficial insects and can support certain butterfly larvae.

Common questions

How much sun does Bluntleaf Bedstraw need?: Bluntleaf Bedstraw grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Bluntleaf Bedstraw bloom?: Bluntleaf Bedstraw blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Bluntleaf Bedstraw native?: Bluntleaf Bedstraw (Galium obtusum) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 31 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Bluntleaf Bedstraw toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Bluntleaf Bedstraw as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Bluntleaf Bedstraw attract?: Bluntleaf Bedstraw draws bees and beetles.
Is Bluntleaf Bedstraw HOA-friendly?: Bluntleaf 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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