Our Lady's Bedstraw

Galium verum

Family: Rubiacaea Herbaceaous perennial.  Native to the British Isles, Europe, Asia and Mesopotamia.  The dried plant has served for centuries as a clean and aromatic stuffing for mattresses.  Other uses abound:  It is a curdling and coloring agent for cheesemaking, a medicinal plant employed like Cleavers as a lymphatic and urinary tonic.  Like Madder, the herb furnishes a red dye by way of its roots.  Cultivation: Easy.  Sow in the spring, in the greenhouse or directly in the garden or landscape.  Prefers dry and sunny locations, and grows well in maritime climates.  6 inches apart.  Flowers cream, growing between 1 and 3 feet tall.

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