Etymology: Galium: from Greek word gala, "milk," and alluding to the fact that certain species were used to curdle milk
Plants: erect to matting, perennial, 8"-32" tall forb, many branches throughout; stems smooth except for the densely bearded nodes
Leaves: main leaves in whorls of 4, mostly blunt tipped, more than 1/10" wide
Flowers: white, 4-parted, 1/8" wide, lobes longer than wide; inflorescence a short, mostly terminal, 1-2 times-branched cluster of 3-5 flowers; blooms May-July
Fruits: smooth
Habitat: moist to wet; swamps, thickets, meadows
Conservation Status: Native
Plants: erect to matting, perennial, 8"-32" tall forb, many branches throughout; stems smooth except for the densely bearded nodes
Leaves: main leaves in whorls of 4, mostly blunt tipped, more than 1/10" wide
Flowers: white, 4-parted, 1/8" wide, lobes longer than wide; inflorescence a short, mostly terminal, 1-2 times-branched cluster of 3-5 flowers; blooms May-July
Fruits: smooth
Habitat: moist to wet; swamps, thickets, meadows
Conservation Status: Native
Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 6, Wetland Indicator = FACW+ 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 David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key
Emmet J. Judziewicz
