Northern Bedstraw
Galium boreale
Last reviewed: June 2026
Northern Bedstraw is a native perennial forb blooming white flowers from June through August across most US states. This drought-tolerant wildflower attracts bees and butterflies in sunny locations.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Northern Bedstraw as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, CT and 34 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Northern bedstraw is a low-maintenance perennial wildflower that forms clumps of narrow, whorled leaves topped with clusters of tiny white flowers in summer. This drought-tolerant native spreads slowly and works well as a filler plant in naturalized areas. It dies back in winter and returns each spring.
Growing Northern Bedstraw
Grow Northern Bedstraw in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Northern 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 wild, weedy appearance year-round
- Small flowers and fine texture look unkempt
- Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots
Wildlife value
The small white flowers attract native bees and butterflies during its summer bloom period. Seeds provide food for small birds and the foliage can support some butterfly larvae.
Common questions
- When does Northern Bedstraw bloom?
- Northern Bedstraw produces small white flowers from June through August, making it a reliable summer bloomer for native plant gardens.
- What pollinators visit Northern Bedstraw?
- Northern Bedstraw attracts various bees and butterflies with its small but numerous white flowers during the summer months.
- Where is Northern Bedstraw native?
- This species is native to most US states from coast to coast, including western states like California and Washington, northern states like Maine and Minnesota, and southern regions including Texas and Tennessee.
- What growing conditions does Northern Bedstraw prefer?
- Northern Bedstraw thrives in full sun locations with low to moderate water requirements, making it well-suited for xeriscaping and low-maintenance native gardens.
- Is Northern Bedstraw toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Northern Bedstraw as toxic to livestock.
- Is Northern Bedstraw HOA-friendly?
- Northern 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 Northern 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