Galium mollugo L.
False Baby's Breath
Hedge bedstraw is a scrambling native perennial of the madder family, widespread across England, Wales and southern Scotland though scarce in the far north and in Ireland. It produces masses of tiny four-petalled white flowers gathered in frothy, airy sprays, earning it the alternative name of false baby's-breath.
About
Hedge bedstraw is a scrambling native perennial of the madder family, widespread across England, Wales and southern Scotland though scarce in the far north and in Ireland. It produces masses of tiny four-petalled white flowers gathered in frothy, airy sprays, earning it the alternative name of false baby's-breath. The smooth, square stems bear whorls of narrow leaves and tend to clamber up through surrounding vegetation, so plants that flop along the ground may be modest while those climbing through a hedge can exceed a metre.
It favours dry, well-drained grassland, scrubby banks and hedgerows, especially on neutral to chalky soils in sun or light shade. The long flowering season runs through summer and the open, accessible blooms are popular with small flies, beetles and other short-tongued insects. Its loose, cloud-like flowering makes it a pleasing filler in meadow and hedgerow seed mixes, softening the structure of taller grasses and perennials.
Also known as
Hedge Bedstraw · White Bedstraw · Wild Madder · false baby's-breath · great hedge bedstraw · hedge-bedstraw · smooth bedstraw · whorled bedstraw
Synonyms
Galium flaccidum · Galium mollugo angustifolium · Galium mollugo congesta · Galium mollugo elatum · Galium mollugo erectum · Galium mollugo gerardii · Galium mollugo mollugo · Galium mollugo nemorale
In our seed mixes
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.