Etymology: Galium: from Greek word gala, "milk," and alluding to the fact that certain species were used to curdle milk
Plants: erect to drooping, perennial, 12"-28" tall forb, branched from the base; stems mostly smooth
Leaves: whorls of 4, thin, lower elliptical, the upper lance-like with a long pointed tip and widest below the middle
Flowers: white, turning purple with age, 4-parted, smooth, pointed lobes; inflorescence a widely spreading cluster with 1-3 branches; blooms June-July
Fruits: bristly
Habitat: dry; woods, thickets
Conservation Status: Native

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 7 USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"