Galium triflorum, commonly known as Sweet-Scented Bedstraw, is a native perennial wildflower found in woodlands, shaded meadows, and along streambanks throughout Illinois. It thrives in moist to moderately dry soils and prefers partial to light shade, making it well-suited for woodland gardens and naturalized landscapes.
This low-growing plant features delicate, whorled leaves in groups of six to eight and produces small, greenish-white flowers in summer. When crushed or dried, the foliage emits a sweet, vanilla-like fragrance, which has historically been used in herbal teas and bedding. Galium triflorum spreads through creeping rhizomes, forming a soft, trailing ground cover.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Galium triflorum is an excellent choice for adding texture and fragrance to shaded gardens. It supports pollinators such as bees and small flies while also serving as a host plant for certain butterfly species. Its ability to spread makes it useful for erosion control and as a natural ground cover in woodland restoration projects. This plant pairs well with other shade-loving natives like ferns, Wild Ginger, and woodland Asters.
Galium triflorum, commonly known as Sweet-Scented Bedstraw, is a native perennial wildflower found in woodlands, shaded meadows, and along streambanks throughout Illinois. It thrives in moist to moderately dry soils and prefers partial to light shade, making it well-suited for woodland gardens and naturalized landscapes.
This low-growing plant features delicate, whorled leaves in groups of six to eight and produces small, greenish-white flowers in summer. When crushed or dried, the foliage emits a sweet, vanilla-like fragrance, which has historically been used in herbal teas and bedding. Galium triflorum spreads through creeping rhizomes, forming a soft, trailing ground cover.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Galium triflorum is an excellent choice for adding texture and fragrance to shaded gardens. It supports pollinators such as bees and small flies while also serving as a host plant for certain butterfly species. Its ability to spread makes it useful for erosion control and as a natural ground cover in woodland restoration projects. This plant pairs well with other shade-loving natives like ferns, Wild Ginger, and woodland Asters.
Bloom: summer
Habitats: areas along woodland paths; bogs; moist meadows; moist to mesic deciduous woodands; partially shaded riverbanks; partially shaded seeps and springs; rocky bluffs
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist
Plant type (height): forb (1 to 3 feet)
Requirements: partial sun to light shade
Soil: fertile loam
