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Hedge Bedstraw

Galium mollugo

Last reviewed: June 2026

Hedge Bedstraw (Galium mollugo)
Photo: Mikani / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–48" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

WY

Pollinators

bees, beetles, flies

Hedge 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.
Where is Hedge Bedstraw native?
Hedge Bedstraw (Galium mollugo) is native to WY, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
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.

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 Hedge Bedstraw? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz