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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Common Marsh Bedstraw (Galium palustre) 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.

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

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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Northern Forests Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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