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Hedge Bedstraw
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Hedge Bedstraw
Hedge Bedstraw is similar in looks and taste to Cleavers but lacks the hooked hairs and general roughness so is good to eat raw or it can be used to make a tea or soup.
| Hedgerow Type | |
| Common Names | False Babies Breath |
| Scientific Name | Galium mollugo |
| Synonyms | Galium erectum, Rubia mollugo |
| Season Start | Feb |
| Season End | Oct |
Please note that each and every hedgerow item you come across may vary in appearance to these photos.
Leaves
The small linear to elliptic leaves grow in circular whorls along the stem of the plant.
Flowers
Many tiny, white, four petaled flowers emerge from the axils of the leaves in late Spring and can continue until late Summer.
Stem
Has a smooth, hairless, square stem that is usually erect until it becomes quite long and can sag under its own weight.
Habitat
Hedgerows, edges of woods, meadows, waste ground and gardens.
Possible Confusion
Could be confused with Cleavers, pictured, but Cleavers are covered in small hooked hairs and are edible.
Taste
The young ‘tips’ are pleasant in a salad, the older parts can be quite bitter.
Frequency
Fairly common.
Other Facts
Hedge Bedstraw is a member of the Rubiaceae family which it shares with Cleavers and Coffee. The fruits/seeds of Hedge Bedstraw can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute which contains less caffeine.
