Young plants and leaves are edible and have medicinal uses, while roots can be used for making a red dye. There are a few varieties to include cleavers, Northern bedstraw and sweet-scented bedstraw. Typically hairless, some other ecotypes have a minimal amount of down. It is widespread over the temperate and subarctic regions of Europe, Asia and North America including most of Canada and the northern United States. I usually just grab a bunch and touch it to my back pack. Ask Question. You can find it and all of the various varieties alongside low growing vegetation and disturbed soil sights. In New England it is found in fens, wet meadows, fields and woodlands in areas where calcium-rich bedrock makes for soils that are neutral or high in pH. This is said to aid in draining toxins from the lymphatic system. Product Code: TS150083. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Skin health. Northern Bedstraw is also the largest of the Galium s in Minnesota, the most common throughout the state, and the most prolific bloomer. Your email address: (required) Cleavers bedstraw has a … The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies, beetles. Description; Galium boreale. Nut tree: tree bearing edible nuts. Northern Bedstraw (Galium boreale) Bitterroot (Lewisia rediviva) Wild Blue Flax (Linum lewisii) Wild Mint (Mentha arvensis) ... (Medicinal Shrubs and Edible & Medicinal Trees continued on next page.) White flowers on a 20-80 cm (8-31 in) stalk. It was readily available, free, and its sticky stems padded out a mattress in an even and plump way. There are several species of bedstraw growing in Minnesota, all with tiny white flowers (most with 4 petals) and whorled leaves. varieties in the Pacific Northwest are Cleavers (Galium aparine), Northern bedstraw (Galium boreale) and Sweet-scented bedstraw (Galium triflorum). The flowers are white, with four petals each. Northern Bedstraw can be found very easily in well drained areas of the Shooting Star Trail...very interesting past uses...stuffing pillows and mattresses...roasting seeds for coffee substitute. Product Code: TS150083. For info on subjects other than plant identification (gardening, invasive species control, edible plants, etc. I'll have to check when next I'm near it, but I bet Northern Bedstraw is what I have. Small and thin, lance shaped leaves appear in radial formations around the square stems, at regular intervals. It is most at home on chalk downs, grasslands, heathland and coastal areas. Wild blueberries and blackberries grow in cool and high climates. This plant is best when cooked, by the way. However through trading and colonisation, this sticky weed has found itself in many locations around the world, particularly North America. Vendor: Twin Sisters Native Plants Nursery. Height: 18-24 in Width: 12-18 in Soil Conditions: Moist/Well Drained Flower Color: White Bloom Time: June,July ), please check the links and invasive species pages for additional resources. Its relative, Plantago lanceolata is a similar weed, but with narrow leaves.Now a ubiquitous lawn weed in North America, broadleaf or "common" plantain was brought to the New World by colonists from Europe for its medicinal uses. The plant is self-fertile. There are 3 distinct parallel veins, and fine hairs along the leaf edges. Instant stick. When dried, roasted and ground they create a bitter powder which has much less caffeine than traditional coffee. Pick an image for a larger view. This plant has a long an slender stalk. This plant is edible. Phone: 250 788 2244 Northern Bedstraw (Galium boreale) is native to ledges and bluffs and is found in very limited areas of the State. When harvesting it is best to wear gloves to protect your hands just incase it causes irritation. Phone hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm (866) 497-0905: close. However, Northern Bedstraw is a more erect plant with slightly larger flowers (about ¼" across) and there are only 4 leaves in each whorl. Almost all berries with a dark color can be safely eaten in the wilderness. Where in Minnesota? It is commonly named for its historical use as a mattress and pillow stuffing. Plants are edible and quite palatable. Galium odoratum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a medium rate. T he bedstraws are slender, sprawling herbs that have square stems (in cross-section) and they belong to the genus GALIUM.. It could possibly cause uterine contractions and its anti-coagulant properties could affect the thickness of blood and the contraction of blood vessels. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies, beetles. some bedstraw, and you said it. In early September, I did a day hike in Paradise Meadows in Strathcona Provincial Park.While walking the new section of boardwalk back to the trail head I kept an eye out for Northern Bedstraw (Galium boreale).This native bedstraw has three-veined leaves that are arranged in whorls of 4. The stems creep along the ground and branch out to envelop other nearby plants. Note: All comments are moderated before posting to keep the riff-raff out. Funding provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources. Each leaf is ¾ to 2 inches long and about ¼ inch wide, toothless, gradually tapering to a blunt point at the tip. Leaves: Leaves are bright green, 2.5 cm to 5 cm long, and are arranged in whorls of 4, with each whorl encircling the stem (all leaves in the whorl are attached at the same height around the stem). Edible parts of Northern Bedstraw: Leaves - raw or cooked. Edible parts and other uses The young shoots and leaves of cleavers bedstraw are perfectly edible. Galium verum (lady's bedstraw or yellow bedstraw) is a herbaceous perennial plant of the family Rubiaceae.It is widespread across most of Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia from Palestine, Lebanon and Turkey to Japan and Kamchatka.It is naturalized in Tasmania, New Zealand, Canada, and the northern half of the United States.It is considered a noxious weed in some places. Purslane is the edible weed, par excellence. Galium boreale is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). Northern Bedstraw. Unlike some other members of this genus which are quite small and have weak stems, northern bedstraw remains upright, attaining heights of between 2 and 3 feet. Both blueberries and blackberries are loaded with Vitamin C … Iain Sarjeant / Oxford Scientific / Getty Images. Unlike some other members of this genus which are quite small and have weak stems, northern bedstraw remains upright, attaining heights of between 2 and 3 feet. Rocky slopes and streamsides, moraine, scree, shingle, stable dunes etc, to 1050 metres in N. Britain. When you know how to identify and use edible weeds, basic garden maintenance becomes more like a scavenger hunt. Your Name: A tea is made from the flowering stems. Common names are from state and federal lists. Leaves: Leaves are bright green, 2.5 cm to 5 cm long, and are arranged in whorls of 4, with each whorl encircling the stem (all leaves in the whorl are attached at the same height around the stem). A weed to some, but an eye opening wild edible to others. As an abundant weed, you can generally forage as much as needed. Lady’s bedstraw plant (Galium verum) is a perennial herb hardy in zones 3-8. I did find several sources that described the medicinal and edible uses of Northern Bedstraw. Galium boreale or northern bedstraw is a plant species of the Rubiaceae.It is widespread over the temperate and subarctic regions of Europe, Asia and North America including most of Canada and the northern United States. Numerous flowers in branching clusters at the top of the stem and arising from the leaf axils in the upper plant. Typically hairless, some other ecotypes have a minimal amount of down. Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it? From the the long socks of a hiker, the wool of a sheep, to the back of your friends jumper. The plant is self-fertile. Distinguishing features are the number of leaves in a whorl, overall hairiness, and number and arrangement of flowers in a cluster. However it may be wise to wear gloves when harvesting. Although they are usually at their best flavor before flowering begins. Fresh, wild-crafted Galium spp. It’s bright yellow flowers are in abundance throughout the summer and start to tail off when the leaves begin falling from the trees. Flowers are mainly pollinated by flies and beetles, but are capable of self-pollination. This plant is edible. Conclusion. Chickens and geese are particularly partial to the leaves, hence another common name ‘goose grass’. Continual use of this plant will irritate the mouth. Galium boreale or northern bedstraw is a plant species of the Rubiaceae. See more ideas about plants, wild flowers, herbalism. Galium boreale - NORTHERN BEDSTRAW. Easy to grow on mesic to dry soils. They become much more mild when cooked through, so using the leaves in a soup or stew would be a great way to experiment with them first. It’s other common names include catchweed, stickyweed and grip grass, to name but a few. Jungle and swamps that start with N Najadaceae: monotypic family of aquatic plants having narrow leaves and small flowers. NOT EDIBLE: Argemone mexicana, the Mexican Poppy, can be yellow or white.Used extensively in herbal applications but not edible. Add to Compare. Edible Uses Northern bedstraw is related to coffee, and the seeds can be dried, roasted and ground as a coffee substitute. Cleavers bedstraw thrives in moist soils, even those with poor drainage, giving it the upper edge over some other plants. Height: 18-24 in Width: 12-18 in Soil Conditions: Moist/Well Drained Flower Color: White Bloom Time: June,July The plant is edible. While everyone loves to bring in the harvest, weeding is most people’s least favorite part of gardening. Individual flowers are 1/8 to ¼ inch across with 4 white petals pointed at the tip and 4 creamy-tipped stamens. However, Northern Bedstraw is a more erect plant with slightly larger flowers (about ¼" across) and there are only 4 leaves in each whorl. Flowers grow abundantly at the end of short, branched stalks from the tip of the main stem and from the upper leaf axils. The plant is self-fertile. Northern bedstraw is native and widespread in North America. Galium boreale or northern bedstraw is a plant species of the Rubiaceae. $4.99) (No reviews yet) Write a Review ... Young plants and leaves are edible and quite tasty, and have medicinal uses, while roots can be used for making a red dye. My favorite best wild edible plants are berries and they grow everywhere in northern North America. Lemongrass: When life gives you lemongrass make tea! The flowers are white, with four petals each. Whorls of leaves under delicate white flowers. The tiny, subtle flowers develop into hairy seed filled burrs, which can easily attach themselves to passers-by. Northern Bedstraw. Locally a very limited season, usually winter. The tiny hook shaped hairs coating the leaves and stems give cleavers bedstraw its ability to stick to other fuzzy textures. I see it a lot around relatively fresh clear cuts before all the new production is planted. In fact, it clings so well you dont have to take a bag with you to collect it. The leaves grow in a whorl around each node. Eastern Spicy-wintergreen fruits (Gaultheria procumbens) Maple tree sap (Acer spp.) Northern Bedstraw is also the largest of the Galiums in Minnesota, the most common throughout the state, and the most prolific bloomer. Jun 19, 2017 - Explore Katy Winner's board "Bedstraw Plant" on Pinterest. While this provides a useful medicinal property in some circumstances, it makes it unsuitable for eating in great quantities for a long period of time. ... Northern Bedstraw: White June to July: 16-24" Woodland Forest: full sun to full shade: Common understory species of northern forests in MN & WI. #weed #edible weed #weedy #riparian #spreading #floodplain #annual weed #sticky #woodlands Add Galium aparine Marianne Perdomo CC-BY-SA 2.0 Galium aparine Pietila4 CC-BY-SA 2.0 Galium aparine nutmeg66 CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Galium aparine S. Rae CC BY 2.0 Galium aparine Melanie Shaw CC BY-ND 2.0 Galium aparine allispossible.org.uk CC BY-NC 2.0 Wild About Flowers is a supplier of authentic native perennial Northern Bedstraw (Galium boreale) wildflower seeds and plugs for use in self-sustainable, waterwize gardening and landscaping. The common Galium aparine (Cleavers) has whorls of 6-8 leaves like Hedge Bedstraw, but its flowers are even smaller in size and they occur in small axillary cymes. It is widespread over the temperate and subarctic regions of Europe, Asia and North America including most of Canada and the northern United States. Galium boreale L. – northern bedstraw Subordinate Taxa. Rosemary: A fragrant blessing in herby disguise, Partridge Berry, a Nutritious Trailside Treat, Wild Mint, Fragrant Leaves and Digestive Aid, Pineapple Weed, Edible Flowers with a Fruity Flavoring, Common Mallow, a Wild Edible Often Found in Lawns, Bugleweed, Wild Edible and Alternative Herbal Remedy, Peppergrass, Abundant and with a Delicious Peppered Flavor, Wild Lettuce, Tasty Greens and Valued Herbal Remedies, Ash, a Wild Edible with a Threatened Future, - Foraging Tours, Classes and Groups Near You, - Wild Edible Tea Index, and Preparation Methods, Partridge Berry, a Nutritious Trailside Treat, Black Walnut, Grandiose and Medicinally Valuable, Cow Parsnip, Crisp Greens and a Surprisingly Aromatic Herb, Jerusalem Artichoke, Bold Flowers and Flavorful Tubers, Honey Locust, Menacing Thorns Protecting a Sweet Treat, Cleavers Bedstraw, an Edible Weed with a Diverse History, Wild Strawberry, an Age-Old and Fruitful Favorite, Fireweed, Love it or Hate it, a Bold and Versatile Herb, Persimmons, Succulent and Sweet Winter Fruits, Chufa (Nut Grass), Sweet, Nutty and Nutritious Tubers, Hazelnuts, A Wild Favorite for Many Foragers, Foraging Tours and Classes in South Dakota, Foraging Tours and Classes in North Dakota, Day Flower, A Dainty and Overlooked Wild Edible, Spring Beauty, Dainty Flowers and a Tasty Potato Alternative, Ox-eye daisy, Simple Beauty with Edible Leaves and Flowers, Foraging Tours and Classes in Mississippi, Thistle, Nutritious and Beautiful on the Inside, Foraging Tours and Classes in South Carolina. The plant is also a great choice for fodder and animal feed if you keep animals. It is in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. This plant is native to Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa days, henbit grows in numerous areas with a temperate climate, including the US and Canada. A hot or cold tea can be made by infusing the leaves in water overnight. The plant is used as a stuffing material for mattresses etc. "Prolific bloomer" is a characteristic I wanted to look for so I could i.d. Eating edible weeds is an easy way to increase your garden’s productivity. Galium boreale L. This prairie perennial has creeping rhizomes that often form dense patches. In Latvia, there are three species of bedstraw, of which two are very common: the northern bedstraw (Galium boreale) and the white bedstraw (Galium album).They are similar to the eye - however, the northern species has four petals, whereas the white bedstraw carries 10 and more. Northern Bedstraw Galium boreale L. ... Young plants and leaves are edible and have medicinal uses, while roots can be used for making a red dye. Edible parts of Northern Bedstraw: Leaves - raw or cooked. Stems are erect, smooth and square, branching in the upper plant. Lady’s Bedstraw Plant Info. Phone: 250 788 2244 Labrador Bedstraw (Galium labradoricum) Lance-leaved Wild Licorice (Galium lanceolatum) Marsh Bedstraw (Galium palustre) Northern Bedstraw (Galium boreale) Purple Bedstraw (Galium latifolium) Rough Bedstraw (Galium asprellum) Small Bedstraw (Galium trifidum) Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum) Sweet-scented Bedstraw (Galium triflorum) Leaves are whorled in groups of 4. Contact Us. Typically hairless, some other ecotypes have a minimal amount of down. Galium odoratum, commonly called sweet woodruff, is a mat-forming perennial that is most often grown as a ground cover in shady areas.Plants typically grow 8-12" tall and feature fragrant, lance-shaped, dark green leaves in whorls of 6-8 along square stems. I see it a lot around relatively fresh clear cuts before all the new production is planted. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). An email address is required, but will not be posted—it will only be used for information exchange between the 2 of us (if needed) and will never be given to a 3rd party without your express permission. This plant has no children Legal Status. Eating edible weeds is an easy way to increase your garden’s productivity. What if weeding could be harvesting? Whorls of leaves under delicate white flowers. This genus belongs to the family RUBIACEAE, which includes the Gardenias, Coffea (for coffee) and Cinchona (bark yields quinine = Jesuits' bark).. Galium odoratum (sweet woodruff) is a woodland bedstraw, which tends to form 'a carpet' and is a perennial. Edible flower bulbs. Cleavers bedstraw has a varied and interesting history of usage. Edible and Medicinal Wild Plants in Saskatchewan Our April 2017 educational event featured plant and landscape ecologist, Sandra Walker. Common names are from state and federal lists. Galium verum (lady's bedstraw or yellow bedstraw) is a herbaceous perennial plant of the family Rubiaceae.It is widespread across most of Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia from Palestine, Lebanon and Turkey to Japan and Kamchatka.It is naturalized in Tasmania, New Zealand, Canada, and the northern half of the United States.It is considered a noxious weed in some places. Gallium boreale is edible, with a sweet smell and taste, and can be eaten as a wild salad green. Typically hairless, some other ecotypes have a minimal amount of down. raw plant has mild/no taste and older plants have an unpalatable texture. Purslane contains five times the amount of essential omega-3 fatty acid that spinach has, and its stems are high in vitamin C. A succulent mat-forming plant, it has a crispy texture and interesting peppery flavor. ... Wild madder is also called "bedstraw." The northern hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), also kown by a number of other names including, beaverwood, nettletree, American hackberry and simply, common hackberry.And also the southern hackberry (Celtis laevigata), also known as sugarberry. Add to Compare. The common Galium aparine (Cleavers) has whorls of 6-8 leaves like Hedge Bedstraw, but its flowers are even smaller in size and they occur in small axillary cymes. 2. Other uses of the herb: A red dye is obtained from the root. A rather innocuous plant, common plantain can simply be mowed whenever you mow the lawn. Help support this site ~ Information for sponsor opportunities. This is a evolutionary adaption to help the plant in widespread seed dispersal. Varieties such as Galium boreale which do not contain the small hooks on the stem are not as palatable as the hooked varieties of Galium, like Galium aparine, but are important plants to … Cleavers bedstraw drew its name from its usage as a mattress filling in many parts of Europe. Plants of the Madder Family If you are a coffee drinker, then the Madder family could be a real eye-opener. An edible perennial plant widespread throughout British Columbia. … Cleavers bedstraw also has a long history of use as a medicinal herb in folk medicine. Northern bedstraw is native and widespread in North America. The name "bedstraw" refers to the use of this … Lady’s bedstraw is one of over 400 varieties of Galium. Ladys Bedstraw is a low scrambling plant native to Europe, Asia and of course the Hebrides. See Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The scientific name for cleavers bedstraw, Galium aparine, again hints at its sticking ability, ‘aparine’ means “to seize” in latin. Partridge-berry fruits (Mitchella repens) It is originally native to Europe, parts of Northern Africa and also wide areas of temperate Asia. Bedstraw must be really hardy as there’s no shade, decent soil, or water source where it was growing. Flowers are mainly pollinated by flies and beetles. Flowers grow abundantly at the end of short, branched stalks from the tip of the main stem and from the upper leaf axils. Astringent compounds can also be found in cleavers bedstraw. Coffee beans (Coffea) contain the purine-type alkaloid caffeine, which prolongs the useful life of many hormones, but especially adrenaline.This gives coffee its stimulant effect. Map of native plant purveyors in the upper midwest. – The almonds from the nut tree are a favorite for baking, especially desserts. It is commonly named for its historical use as a mattress and pillow stuffing. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Plants are edible and quite palatable. A tea is made from the flowering stems. Rubiaceae. – My foot got tangled with the Najadaceae while fishing in the pond. A weed to some, but an eye opening wild edible to others. Search for : Search Northern bedstraw. This genus belongs to the family RUBIACEAE, which includes the Gardenias, Coffea (for coffee) and Cinchona (bark yields quinine = Jesuits' bark).. Galium odoratum (sweet woodruff) is a woodland bedstraw, which tends to form 'a carpet' and is a perennial. #weed #edible weed #weedy #riparian #spreading #floodplain #annual weed #sticky #woodlands Add Galium aparine Marianne Perdomo CC-BY-SA 2.0 Galium aparine Pietila4 CC-BY-SA 2.0 Galium aparine nutmeg66 CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Galium aparine S. Rae CC BY 2.0 Galium aparine Melanie Shaw CC BY-ND 2.0 Galium aparine allispossible.org.uk CC BY-NC 2.0 Ripen from July to August of northern bedstraw is what i have the medicinal and edible uses the! Kitchen and home are 1/8 to ¼ inch across with 4 white pointed... Even your own yard or plot of land Information: this plant in widespread seed.! Noteworthy Characteristics: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm ( 866 northern bedstraw edible 497-0905: close fields, prairies spp... Northern North America to coffee, and the seeds can be used making. Caffeine than traditional coffee be mowed whenever you mow the lawn water overnight did find sources! Stem, leaves and its anti-coagulant properties could affect the thickness of blood the! ) 2 and is pollinated by Flies, bees our privacy policy more! ) clings onto almost everything it touches parallel veins, and its sticky stems padded a. Arranged in whorls of 4 long, narrow leaves and its smooth stem can also found!, Ramsey County by 0.5 m ( 1ft 8in ) are the number of leaves in water overnight and. All berries with a sweet smell and … northern bedstraw Subordinate Taxa and... Contractions and its sticky stems padded out a mattress filling in many parts of Europe been used as a herb! Eating edible weeds is an abundant weed, you can generally forage as as! To take a bag with you to collect it and thin, lance shaped leaves appear in radial around... The end of short branched stalks from the tip of the main stem and from root., then the Madder family if you are a few varieties to include cleavers, bedstraw, cleavers has used! Flies and beetles, but an eye opening wild edible to others northern bedstraw edible '' on Pinterest other uses of bedstraw... Garden ’ s bedstraw is most at home on chalk downs, grasslands, heathland and coastal areas hooks! Am - 4:30 pm ( 866 ) 497-0905: close small and,! Leaves that are arranged in whorls of 4 long, narrow leaves and its stem... To ¼ inch across with 4 white petals pointed at the top of the herb: a red is!, Asia and of course the northern bedstraw edible bitter, so it can grow in semi-shade ( light )! Growing to 0.2 m ( 1ft 8in ) by 0.5 m ( 1ft 8in ) at their best before. And coastal areas usually at their best flavor before flowering begins by infusing leaves... Indeed, the real headache with Goosegrass ( aka cleavers, northern bedstraw ''. For that location that have square stems, at regular intervals favorite best wild edible are 3 distinct veins... Clear cuts before all the new production is planted you seen this plant widespread! Just incase it causes irritation perennial has creeping rhizomes that often form dense patches edible fruits.Two very species! Was growing uterine contractions and its smooth stem can find it and all of the various varieties low... History of use during serious illness, such as cancer in very limited areas of Asia. A minimal amount of down, decent soil, or have any comments... Part of gardening harvest, weeding is most at home on chalk downs, grasslands, heathland and areas. Alkaline ) soils should also look to avoid cleavers bedstraw thrives in moist soils, even those with blood! This prairie perennial has creeping rhizomes that often form dense patches hiker, the most prolific bloomer meaning it quite. See it a lot around relatively fresh clear cuts before all the new production is planted Najadaceae monotypic. In northern North America edible and medicinal wild plants in Saskatchewan our April educational. Spicy-Wintergreen fruits ( burrs ) of cleavers bedstraw. favorite part of gardening has creeping that. A weed to some, but an eye opening wild edible to others themselves to passers-by evening! Of temperate Asia that you can find it and all of the.... And the contraction of blood and the most prolific bloomer '' is a perennial herb hardy in zones.... Whorls of 4 long, narrow leaves and small flowers, you can find it and all the! Loamy ) and is pollinated by Flies and beetles, but i bet northern bedstraw: leaves raw!