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Common Name: Fragrant Bedstraw

General Information

Galium triflorum is a perennial plant that can grow up to 0.60 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

Circumboreal.

Habitat

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

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.60 m
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[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked[, ].
A tea is made from the flowering stems[].

Medicinal

An infusion of the plant has been used in the treatment of gallstones and kidney complaints[].
A poultice of the whole plant has been used to treat backaches in babies[].
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[].
The plant is aromatic. It has been crushed and used as a perfume, particularly by women[]. The aroma is given off as the plant dries[].
A poultice of the whole plant has been rubbed on the scalp to encourage hair growth[].
The plant is used as a stuffing material for mattresses etc[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown in situ as soon as it is ripe in late summer[]. The seed can also be sown in situ in the spring though it may be very slow to germinate[].
Division in spring. The plant can be successfully divided throughout the growing season if the divisions are kept moist until they are established[]. 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.