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Common Name: Fragrant Bedstraw
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.
Moist woods near sea level, to moderate elevations in the mountains in Western N. America.
|Pollinators||Flies, Beetles, Self
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[
Leaves - raw or cooked[
A tea is made from the flowering stems[
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[
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[
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.