Hedge Bedstraw
Galium mollugo
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Hedge Bedstraw (Galium mollugo) 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
full sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–48" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Pollinators
bees, beetles, flies
Native alternatives to Hedge Bedstraw
Hedge Bedstraw is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
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.
Find rebates in your areaHedge bedstraw is a sprawling perennial forb that forms loose mats of fine-textured foliage topped with clusters of tiny white flowers in summer. This European native has naturalized across much of North America and can spread aggressively through underground stems. The plant has a somewhat weedy appearance and tends to flop over neighboring plants.
In an HOA neighborhood
Hedge Bedstraw takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Spreads aggressively and can look weedy
- Sprawling growth habit appears unkempt
- May be viewed as invasive groundcover
Wildlife value
The small white flowers attract various pollinators including bees, beetles, and flies during the summer blooming period. Birds may eat the small seeds that follow the flowers.
Common questions
- How much sun does Hedge Bedstraw need?
- Hedge Bedstraw grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Hedge Bedstraw bloom?
- Hedge Bedstraw blooms in June, July, and August.
- What pollinators does Hedge Bedstraw attract?
- Hedge Bedstraw draws bees, beetles, and flies.
- Is Hedge Bedstraw HOA-friendly?
- Hedge Bedstraw takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Hedge Bedstraw? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz