Our Lady's Bedstraw
Galium verum
Family: Rubiacaea
Herbaceaous perennial. Native to the British Isles, Europe, Asia
and Mesopotamia. The dried plant has served for centuries as a clean
and aromatic stuffing for mattresses. Other uses abound: It
is a curdling and coloring agent for cheesemaking, a medicinal plant employed
like Cleavers as a lymphatic and urinary tonic. Like Madder, the
herb furnishes a red dye by way of its roots. Cultivation:
Easy. Sow in the spring, in the greenhouse or directly in the garden
or landscape. Prefers dry and sunny locations, and grows well in
maritime climates. 6 inches apart. Flowers cream, growing between
1 and 3 feet tall.
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