northern bedstraw

Galium boreale L.

characteristics

Many branched with narrow leaves in whorls of four. You always know you're into summer when you see the clouds of snow white flowers of this otherwise inconspicuous circumpolar plant.

725,760 seeds/pound; starts from seed, container, cuttings.

habitat

Grasslands, disturbed areas, meadows, river and lake shores.

uses

Roasted seeds are ground and used as a coffee substitute.
A tea was made using the roots and leaves.
Used as a fragrant stuffing for mattresses and pillows, hence its common name.
Hormone-like compounds of this plant make it of interest to the pharmaceutical industry.