Heath Bedstraw
Loose mat of Heath Bedstraw
4-angled stem, 4 stamens, 2 stigmas
Flowering and barren stems
Leaves on flowering stems, spike and prickles
Leaves on barren and flowering stems
Galium saxatile
Rubiaceae
May to August
It grows throughou the country except for parts of the
East.
See the BSBI distribution map for Heath Bedstraw
It grows in nutrient-poor, acid soils in grasslands,
heaths, open woodland and upland moors.
Heath Bedstraw is a native, low-growing (forming loose
mats),perennial herb, growing up to 30cm.
It has erect flowering stems and prostrate non-flowering,
barren stems.
Flowers are up to 3mm across, with 4 white, free lobes.
There are 4 stamens and 2 styles each with a single
stigma.
Leaves are in whorls of 5 to 8.
On flowering stems leaves are lanceolate, but broader
and rounder towards the tip on flowering stems.
They have a terminal, small spike and a few forward-
pointing, marginal prickles.
Leaves on barren stems are broader and less lanceolate
The stems are 4-angled and may be a bit twisted.
They turn black when dry.
Heath Bedstraw is used as an indicator of unimproved hill
grassland.
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Next page: Heath Speedwell
Loose mat of Heath Bedstraw
4-angled stem, 4 stamens, 2 stigmas
Flowering and barren stems
Leaves on flowering stems, spike and prickles
Leaves on barren and flowering stems
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