Common Marsh Bedstraw
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.
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.
Does Common Marsh Bedstraw fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.