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Rough Bedstraw

Galium asprellum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Rough Bedstraw (Galium asprellum)
Photo: Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA NRCS. 1995. Northeast wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. Northeast National Technical Center, Chester. Courtesy of USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Rough Bedstraw (Galium asprellum) 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.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Rough Bedstraw as toxic to livestock.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

24"–72" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

IA, IL, IN, KY and 14 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.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Western Corn Belt PlainsNorthern ForestsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern PiedmontBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Rough bedstraw is a sprawling native vine that produces small white flowers from May through July. This perennial plant grows in a loose, scrambling habit and prefers partial shade with moderate moisture.

In an HOA neighborhood

Rough 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.

  • Scrambling vine growth looks uncontrolled
  • Can appear weedy and unkempt
  • Difficult to maintain neat appearance

Wildlife value

The small white flowers attract bees and beetles during the summer blooming period. The sprawling growth provides shelter for small wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Rough Bedstraw need?
Rough Bedstraw grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Rough Bedstraw bloom?
Rough Bedstraw blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Rough Bedstraw native?
Rough Bedstraw (Galium asprellum) is native to IA, IL, IN, KY and 14 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Rough Bedstraw toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Rough Bedstraw as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Rough Bedstraw attract?
Rough Bedstraw draws bees and beetles.
Is Rough Bedstraw HOA-friendly?
Rough 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.

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