Hedge Bedstraw

Hedge bedstraw is a medium to tall scrambling grassland perennial with dense clusters of small cream/white flowers, growing up to 3 or 4 feet in height. It is particularly common throughout the southern half of Great Britain.

Uses

Bees, butterflies and ladybirds are attracted to the sweet scent of Hedge bedstraw.

Persistence

It is a perennial, and can be considered invasive in some areas. Produces seed readily year-round, and can also spread by stolons.

Strengths

It can be misidentified with Lady's bedstraw, however Hedge bedstraw is more robust and competitive, faring better in a range of soil types.

Frost Tolerance

Hedge Bedstraw is able to tolerate freezing temperatures.

Ideal Sowing Time

The seeds should be sown in spring or autumn however spring sowings may result in slower germination.

Distinguishing characteristics

Seed
1mm size (approx 2000 seeds/gram) kidney shaped, slightly flattened, purplish grey to dark brown in colour has a rough surface texture, network of tiny ridges

Flowering Plant
Smooth, square stem, with whorls of broad lanceolate leaves. Inflorescence is a loose panicle of many white flowers, each 3-4mm across. Root is reddish in colour, producing many rhizomes. Flowers from May - September.

Additional Info

Flowers: June to September. It smells of hay when dry.

Works well with

Hedge Bedstraw works well with Field Scabious, Meadow Cranesbill, Tufted Vetch, Meadow Vetchling and Knapweed.

History

Hedge bedstraw is rich in fiber, traditionally being used to make ropes, mats and baskets. It has also been used for its medicinal properties, believed to have sedative properties. Was also stuffed in mattresses, with the added benefit of being an insecticide. The roots are used by the Indians to stain their feathers red.