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Hairy Bedstraw

Galium pilosum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Hairy Bedstraw (Galium pilosum)
Photo: no rights reserved

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 26 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 437 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

Cross TimbersTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsSouth Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontNorthern Lakes and ForestsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Hairy bedstraw is a low-growing native perennial with small white flowers that bloom from May through July. This delicate wildflower forms loose clumps and works well as a naturalistic groundcover in partial sun areas with average moisture.

In an HOA neighborhood

Hairy 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, weedy appearance
  • Small inconspicuous flowers may look unkempt
  • Loose growth habit lacks structure for formal landscapes

Wildlife value

The small white flowers attract native bees and beetles during the summer blooming period. This plant provides habitat and food sources for beneficial insects in native garden settings.

Common questions

How much sun does Hairy Bedstraw need?
Hairy Bedstraw grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Hairy Bedstraw bloom?
Hairy Bedstraw blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Hairy Bedstraw native?
Hairy Bedstraw (Galium pilosum) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 26 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Hairy Bedstraw attract?
Hairy Bedstraw draws bees and beetles.
Is Hairy Bedstraw HOA-friendly?
Hairy 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 Hairy Bedstraw? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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