Three-horned bedstraw

Galium tricornutum

Galium tricornutum, commonly known as rough bedstraw or three-horned bedstraw, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Rubiaceae family. Native to North America, it can be found in various habitats, including meadows, woodlands, and disturbed areas. Here is an informative description, including detailed appearance, how to identify it, and considerations for management:

Description:

  • Growth Form: Rough bedstraw is a low-growing herbaceous plant that typically reaches heights of 30 to 60 centimeters. It often forms sprawling or climbing masses.

  • Leaves: The leaves are arranged in whorls of 4 to 8 along the stems. Each leaf is narrow, lance-shaped, and has a pointed tip. The leaves are rough to the touch, hence the common name "rough bedstraw."

  • Stems: The stems are square-shaped and covered with tiny hooked hairs, which contribute to the plant's ability to cling to other vegetation for support.

  • Flowers: The small, white to greenish-white flowers are arranged in dense clusters at the nodes where the leaves attach to the stem. The flowers are typically inconspicuous.

  • Fruit: The fruit is a small, rounded capsule containing seeds.

  • Odor: When crushed or dried, some species of bedstraw emit a pleasant, sweet scent.

Identification:

To identify Galium tricornutum:

  1. Whorled Leaves: The leaves are arranged in whorls along the stem, with 4 to 8 leaves in each whorl.

  2. Rough Texture: The leaves and stems have a rough texture due to the presence of tiny hooked hairs.

  3. Square Stems: Like many plants in the Rubiaceae family, the stems are square-shaped.

  4. Inconspicuous Flowers: The small, white to greenish-white flowers are arranged in dense clusters and may not be immediately noticeable.

Management:

  1. Cultural Control: In ornamental gardens or cultivated areas, maintaining dense vegetation and using mulch can help suppress the growth of rough bedstraw.

  2. Mechanical Control: Hand-pulling or cutting can be effective for small infestations. It's important to remove the entire plant, including the roots, to prevent regrowth.

  3. Herbicides: In cases of larger infestations, herbicides labeled for bedstraw control may be used. However, care should be taken to avoid harming desirable plants in the vicinity.

  4. Preventive Measures: Implementing good land management practices, such as minimizing soil disturbance and controlling weed spread, can help prevent the establishment of rough bedstraw.

Caution: While rough bedstraw is not typically considered highly invasive, it can be persistent and challenging to manage in certain settings. Always follow local regulations and guidelines when using herbicides, and consider non-chemical methods where appropriate.