Etymology: Galium: from Greek word gala, "milk," and alluding to the fact that certain species were used to curdle milk
Plants: erect to sprawling, perennial forb with many branches, spreading to 7'; stems prickly-rough on the 4-angles; from creeping rhizomes
Leaves: main stem with whorls of 6 rough leaves, 4 or 5 on the branches; elliptical to lance-like, usually widest above the middle, sharply pointed
Flowers: white, 4-parted, 1/8" wide; inflorescence less than 3/4" wide, branching 1-3 times, with a few flowers both terminal and from the upper leaf axils; blooms May-Aug.
Fruits: smooth
Habitat: wet; woods, thickets
Conservation Status: Native

- very sticky and sprawling

- leaves in whorls of 6, mucronate

- leaf margins and midveins retrorsely scabrous

- ovaries and fruits smooth, petals 4

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 7, Wetland Indicator = OBL USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos