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.