Galium triflorum - Fragrant Bedstraw

Family:	Rubiaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.6
Synonyms:
Range:	Circumboreal.

Galium triflorum (Fragrant Bedstraw) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.6m . It has a hardness rating of 0.
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Flies, beetles, self

Soil Information

Fragrant Bedstraw will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Fragrant Bedstraw prefers either dry or moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Moist woods near sea level, to moderate elevations in the mountains in Western N. America.

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Works within dappled Shade
• Grows in a shady edge

Cultivation Details

Prefers a loose moist leafy soil in some shade[200]. Tolerates dry soils but the leaves quickly become scorched when growing in full sun[200]. This species does not thrive in a hot climate[200].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 1/5
Leaves - raw or cooked[62, 172]. A tea is made from the flowering stems[172].

• Leaves -
• Tea - the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 2/5
An infusion of the plant has been used in the treatment of gallstones and kidney complaints[257]. A poultice of the whole plant has been used to treat backaches in babies[257]. A number of species in this genus contain asperuloside, a substance that produces coumarin and gives the scent of new-mown hay as the plant dries[238]. Asperuloside can be converted into prostaglandins (hormone-like compounds that stimulate the uterus and affect blood vessels), making the genus of great interest to the pharmaceutical industry[238].

• Kidney - Used in the treatment of kidney diseases
• Lithontripic - Removes stones from the kidney, bladder etc.

Propagation

Seed - best sown in situ as soon as it is ripe in late summer[200]. The seed can also be sown in situ in the spring though it may be very slow to germinate[200]. Division in spring. The plant can be successfully divided throughout the growing season if the divisions are kept moist until they are established[200]. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

A red dye is obtained from the root[168]. The plant is aromatic. It has been crushed and used as a perfume, particularly by women[257]. The aroma is given off as the plant dries[257]. A poultice of the whole plant has been rubbed on the scalp to encourage hair growth[257]. The plant is used as a stuffing material for mattresses etc[172].

• Cosmetic - Used to improve the physicalappearence of a person.
• Dye - Plants that provide dyes.
• Hair - Plants used as hair shampoos, tonics, to treat balding etc.
• Stuffing - Used in making soft toys, mattresses, pillows etc.

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest.
Hitchcock. C. L.
Author: Hitchcock. C. L.
Rating:
Publisher : A standard flora for Western N. America with lots of information on habitat etc. Five large volumes, it is not for the casual reader.
Date of Publication : 1955

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