Etymology: Galium: from Greek word gala, "milk," and alluding to the fact that certain species were used to curdle milk
Plants: scrambling perennial, 3"-32" tall forb; stems nodes smooth
Leaves: main leaves in whorls of mostly 6, usually elliptical, vanilla odor
Flowers: greenish to white, 3-parted, to 1/8" wide; simple to often-branched, 3-flowered clusters both terminal and from the leaf axils; blooms June-Aug.
Fruits: bristly
Habitat: moist to dry; woods, forests
Conservation Status: Native

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 5, Wetland Indicator = FACU+ USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"