Bedstraws have a large family

Photos: Arne Ader
Translation: Liis
Lady’s bedstraw
 
Lady's bedstraw     Hobumadar       Galium verum
 
About 10 species of bedstraws grow in Estonia and many of them seem rather similar to a beginner plant student. Let us first look at the narrow leaves on the stem of the bedstraw – they are located in a whorl or circle around the stem. The stem of the lady’s bedstraw feels round but that of some other species angular. So, then let us count the number of leaves in the whorl, it is a particular number for each species: some have four, others six or more; the latter include the lady’s bedstraw, having 8 up to 12 narrow, pointed leaves in the whorl. The flowers of all bedstraws are very tiny and quadrisymmetrical.
 
Now at its flowering time we need not look for any other characteristics – only the lady’s bedstraw has completely yellow flowers with a quite strong fragrance, which in turn points to it being a good honey plant. Habitats are meadows, rich as well as poor in other species; lime-rich areas suit well, for instance in West Estonia. Since bedstraw seeds are spread by winds they are pioneer plants in the succession of species on heaths or the pebble piles on seashores.
 
For identifying plants a good helper is the „Eesti taimede kukeaabits – Guide to Estonian plants“ by Toomas Kukk; ask for the second enlarged edition at larger bookstores. In addition to the clear descriptions of plants the book is simply beautiful.
 
Bedstraw


 

EST EN DE ES RU  FORUM

       

My Nature Calendar

Help to do Looduskalender.ee better - send Your observations about nature.

History