The tiny 2-3 mm. whitish flowers are solitary or few in cymes on long lateral branches.  UCI Ecological Preserve, Irvine, CA. 2-27-09. © Joan Avise

Common Bedstraw
(Annual Bedstraw; Cleavers)

Galium aparine

Native to both North America and Eurasia, but exotic to Orange County (Roberts). It is a common and widespread annual weed with 1-2 ft. long 4-angled stems, clambering over other plants, in dense masses.  Found in moist shady places in grassland and southern oak woodland. The seeds may be roasted and ground to make a coffee-like drink. Dried plants were once used as mattress stuffing for the pleasant aroma, hence the common name Bedstraw.  The herbage has been used to make a face wash for clear skin, to cool the skin in fever, and as an astringent to stop bleeding and treat earaches.  The dried, powdered root has been used to speed wound healing. The young boiled leaves which are rich in vitamin C can be eaten like spinach.

Back to Rubiaceae of Orange County, California
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Leaves opposite; foliage with fine hairs tipped with hooks allowing them to cling like Velcro. UCI Ecological Preserve, Irvine, CA. 2-27-09. © Joan Avise
UCI Ecological Preserve, Irvine, CA. 2-27-09. © Joan Avise

No calyx; 4-lobed corolla; 4 stamens, 2 styles (bisexual). Holy Jim Canyon, Trabuco Canyon, Cleveland National Forest, Orange County, CA. 4/12/12. © Peter J. Bryant
UCI Ecological Preserve, Irvine, CA. 2-23-10. © Joan Avise

Fruits (nutlets) are in pairs and covered with hooked prickles that attach to whatever touches them! UCI Ecological Preserve, Irvine, CA. 2-28-12. © Joan Avise

UCI Ecological Preserve, Irvine, CA. 2-28-12. © Joan Avise

Twin single-seeded nutlets covered with hooked hairs (a burr) which aids in seed dispersal. UCI Ecological Preserve, Irvine, CA. 2-28-12. © Joan Avise

Holy Jim Canyon, Trabuco Canyon, Cleveland National Forest, Orange County, CA. 4/12/12. © Peter J. Bryant

UCI Ecological Preserve, Irvine, CA. 2-27-09. © Joan Avise
UCI Ecological Preserve, 2-25-12. © Ron Vanderhoff.

Pine Cyn., Santa Ana Mts., 4-12-12. © Ron Vanderhoff.
UCI Ecological Preserve, 2-25-12. © Ron Vanderhoff.

UCI Ecological Preserve, 2-11-12. © Ron Vanderhoff.