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Common Name: Hedge Bedstraw

General Information

Galium mollugo is a perennial plant that can grow up to 1.20 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Most of Europe, including Britain, to N. Africa and temperate Asia.

Habitat

Hedgebanks, open woodland, scrub and grassy slopes, especially on base-rich and calcareous soils[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.20 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Flies, Beetles, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

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

Edible Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked[].

Medicinal

The plant is lithontripic and vulnerary. It is also used in the treatment of epilepsy and hysteria[].
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[]. 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[].

Other Uses

A red dye is obtained from the root[, ]. It is very fiddly to utilize[].
A good ground cover for growing in cool shade under shrubs or in the woodland garden[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown in situ as soon as it is ripe in late summer[]. The seed can also be sown in spring though it may be very slow to germinate[]. This plant does not really need any help to reproduce itself.
Division in spring or throughout the growing season if the plants are kept well watered[]. 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.