Stiff marsh bedstraw facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Stiff marsh bedstraw
Galium tinctorium
Scientific classification
Genus:	Galium
Species:	tinctorium

The stiff marsh bedstraw (scientific name: Galium tinctorium) is a type of plant. It belongs to the Rubiaceae family, which is also known as the coffee family. This plant is very common across the eastern parts of North America. You can find it from Texas all the way up to Labrador in Canada, and from Minnesota down to Florida. It also grows in eastern and central Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Sometimes, it is considered a "noxious weed" in parts of the northeastern United States. This means it can grow very quickly and cause problems for farmers or gardeners.

What is Stiff Marsh Bedstraw?

Stiff marsh bedstraw is a plant that tends to sprawl or recline along the ground. It has stems that can grow quite long. The plant is known for its unique leaves and flowers.

What Does it Look Like?

This plant has leaves that grow in circles around its stem. These leaf circles are called "whorls." The leaves themselves are long and narrow, shaped a bit like a spear.

The flowers of the stiff marsh bedstraw are quite small. Most plants in its family have flowers with four petals. However, the stiff marsh bedstraw is special because its flowers usually have only three petals. This makes it easier to tell apart from some of its relatives.

Where Does it Grow?

Stiff marsh bedstraw loves wet places. You can often find it in marshes, swamps, and other damp areas. It thrives in the moist soil of these environments. Its wide range across North America shows how adaptable it is to different climates, as long as there is enough moisture.