Ladys Bedstraw
This is a weakly stemmed, sprawling species, when cut is has a notable sweet smell.
Uses
Persistence
A perennial species.
Strengths
Tolerant of lighter, sandy soils and some shady conditions.
Distinguishing characteristics
Seed
The seed is very small and spherical in shape. It is black with a smooth texture. The seed is 1-2mm in size.
Seedling
The seedling produces a pair of slightly oblong cotyledons, on medium length petioles. The first true leaves are thinner and longer, arranged in whorls around the stem.
Flowering Plant
This is a dark, dull green coloured species.
The leaves are arranged in whorls around a square stem.
It has characterisitc four petalled yellow flowers.
The roots can creep over the soil surface with stolons, potentially creating a mat if not managed in open swards.
Additional Info
Flowers June-September. Its long stems can reach 80cm in length, however its weak structure means it does not normally get to this height.
You can find Ladys Bedstraw in the following mixtures
- Cotswold Wild Flora
- Meadow Over-Seeding Just Wild Flowers
- Chalk & Limestone Soil Mixture
- Acid & Clay Soil Mixture
- Damp Meadow
History
In the past, people often used to sleep on a mattress of dried bedstraw and other plants, covered with a sheet. Such a mattress smelt pleasant and could easily be burnt and renewed when it became soiled. Bedstraw flowers were also used for curdling milk to make cheese, and a red dye was extracted from the stems.