(8 votes, average: 4.25 out of 5)
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Hedge Bedstraw
Edible 
Spring 
Summer
Hedge Bedstraw is similar in looks and taste to Cleavers but lacks the hooked hairs and general roughness so is good to eat raw or it can be used to make a tea or soup.
| Hedgerow Type | |
| Common Names | Hedge Bedstraw, False Babies Breath |
| Synonyms | Galium erectum, Rubia mollugo |
| Scientific Name | Galium mollugo |
| Season Start | Feb |
| Season End | Oct |
Leaves
The small linear to elliptic leaves grow in circular whorls along the stem of the plant.
Flowers
Many tiny, white, four petaled flowers emerge from the axils of the leaves in late Spring and can continue until late Summer.
Stem
Has a smooth, hairless, square stem that is usually erect until it becomes quite long and can sag under its own weight.
Habitat
Hedgerows, edges of woods, meadows, waste ground and gardens.
Possible Confusion
Could be confused with Cleavers, pictured, but Cleavers are covered in small hooked hairs and are edible.
Taste
The young ‘tips’ are pleasant in a salad, the older parts can be quite bitter.
Frequency
Fairly common.
Other Facts
Hedge Bedstraw is a member of the Rubiaceae family which it shares with Cleavers and Coffee. The fruits/seeds of Hedge Bedstraw can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute which contains less caffeine.
4 comments for Hedge Bedstraw
Is there any chance you will be doing any foraging near woking?
Brookwood farm woods and meadows?
Maria
we do go to Guildford every year. Check the foraging courses link in the top menu 🙂
I though Bedstraw contained Anthraquinone which is toxic. Are certain parts of the plant not edible?
Bedstraw does contain Anthraquinone but in amounts small enough to not adversely affect humans. Some smaller mammals can be affected when Bedstraw takes over forage crops for animals as it is very invasive.