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, 4"-16" tall forb, simple or with upper branches; stems thin, smooth except with dense short hairs at the nodes; creeping rhizomes
Leaves: whorls of 4, mostly blunt-tipped, backward curving with age, usually less than 1/10" wide
Flowers: white, 4-parted, 1/8" wide, lobes longer than wide; inflorescence a few, mostly terminal, 1/8"-1/3" tall clusters of 3 flowers; blooms June-July
Fruits: smooth
Habitat: wet; cold bogs, swamps, thickets
Conservation Status: Native

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 10, Wetland Indicator = OBL Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos