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, 8"-24" tall forb; stems thin, nodes not bearded
Leaves: whorls of 2-6, mostly linear, blunt tipped
Flowers: white, 4-parted, 1/8" wide, lobes sharply pointed; inflorescence an often-branched cluster with 5 or more flowers; blooms June-Aug.
Fruits: smooth
Habitat: wet
Conservation Status: Native. Listed as Special Concern by WI DNR.

Floristic Rating: Wetland Indicator = NI WIS DNR-Bureau of Endangered Resources: Detailed information on Wisconsin listed species including state and federal status, photos, etc. USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos