Bedstraw (3)

Northern Bedstraw
Galium boreale (G. septentrionale)

Family: Madder (Rubiaceae)
AKA: Cleavers
Photo taken on: June 26, 2004
Location: Almont, CO
Life Zones: Foothills to montane
Habitat: Dry meadows, woodlands

Grows over 2ft with leaves in whorls of four on square stems. Masses of tiny fragrant flowers with four petals grow in clusters at the top of the branches.

Stickywilly
Galium aparine

Family: Madder (Rubiaceae)
AKA: Cleavers, Bedstraw, Goosegrass
Photo taken on: August 19, 2008
Location: Pajarito Plateau, NM
Life Zones: Plains to montane
Habitat: Gravelly slopes, open woods

Sprawls over other plants attaching themselves with hooked hairs that grow from the stem and leaves. Stems are weak which give it a gangly appearance. The leaves grow in whorls of six or eight. Tiny flowers grow in leaf axils and produce bristly fruits which catch on fur and clothing.

Considered NOXIOUS in several states.

Threepetal Bedstraw
Galium trifidum ssp. subbiflorum

Family: Madder (Rubiaceae)
AKA: Small Bedstraw
Photo taken on: August 1, 2019
Location: Cement Creek, GV, CO
Life Zones: Foothills to subalpine
Habitat: Wet meadows, shady forests

Weak, slender stems up to 18" long grow sprawling, forming mats. The leaves grow in whorls of four or six. Minute flowers grow from leaf axils in groups of three with three or four petals.

Identified from Field Guide to Colorado’s Wetland Plants.