Fen bedstraw facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fen bedstraw |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Galium
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| Species: |
uliginosum
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The Fen bedstraw, also known by its scientific name Galium uliginosum, is a type of plant. It belongs to the Galium group of plants, which are often called bedstraws. This plant is found in many different parts of the world.
Where Does Fen Bedstraw Grow?
Fen bedstraw grows naturally across most of Europe. You can also find it in countries like Morocco, parts of Siberia, Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Xinjiang in China. It has also started growing in new places like New Zealand, Greenland, and the Crozet Islands, where it was not originally found.
In the United Kingdom, Fen bedstraw is an important part of special natural areas. These areas are called "purple moor grass and rush pastures." They are a type of habitat that the UK tries to protect. This plant likes to grow in wet places. It prefers soils that do not drain water well. These soils can be neutral or a bit acidic. You can find Fen bedstraw in lowlands and also in areas near mountains. It is especially common in the South West of England, particularly in Devon.
How to Spot Fen Bedstraw
Fen bedstraw can look very similar to another plant called marsh bedstraw (Galium palustre). However, there are a few ways to tell them apart!
- Leaf Edges: Fen bedstraw has tiny, stiff hairs on the edges of its leaves. Marsh bedstraw does not have these bristly edges.
- Drying Out: When Fen bedstraw dries, it keeps its natural color. Marsh bedstraw, on the other hand, often turns black when it dries.
A cool feature of all bedstraw plants, including Fen bedstraw, is how their leaves grow. Their leaves grow in circles around the stem. For Fen bedstraw, you will usually see 6 to 10 leaves in each circle, or "whorl." This is a helpful clue to know you are looking at a bedstraw plant!
