How much sun does Common Marsh Bedstraw need?

Common Marsh Bedstraw grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Common Marsh Bedstraw bloom?

Common Marsh Bedstraw blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Common Marsh Bedstraw native?

Common Marsh Bedstraw (Galium palustre) is native to CT, IL, IN, MA and 12 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Common Marsh Bedstraw attract?

Common Marsh Bedstraw draws flies and beetles.

Is Common Marsh Bedstraw HOA-friendly?

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

Common Marsh Bedstraw

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Galium palustre

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

part shade

Water

high

Size

12"–40" H × 8"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CT, IL, IN, MA and 12 more states

Pollinators

flies, beetles

Common marsh bedstraw is a native perennial that thrives in wet, partially shaded areas. It produces small white flowers from June through August and spreads to form loose colonies in consistently moist soil. This plant is best suited for rain gardens, pond edges, or other naturalized wet areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: backyard only.

Informal growth habit looks weedy to many
Requires consistently wet conditions that may appear unkempt
Spreading nature can look uncontrolled

Wildlife value

The small white flowers attract flies and beetles during the summer blooming period. This plant provides habitat and food sources for various insects in wetland ecosystems.

Common questions

How much sun does Common Marsh Bedstraw need?: Common Marsh Bedstraw grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Common Marsh Bedstraw bloom?: Common Marsh Bedstraw blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Common Marsh Bedstraw native?: Common Marsh Bedstraw (Galium palustre) is native to CT, IL, IN, MA and 12 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Common Marsh Bedstraw attract?: Common Marsh Bedstraw draws flies and beetles.
Is Common Marsh Bedstraw HOA-friendly?: Common Marsh 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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