Native to grasslands and meadows of Europe, North Africa and southwestern Asia, this rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial is a member of the coffee family, Rubiaceae, that also includes gardenia and Pentas. Plants grow 8-30″ tall and have wiry stems that carry whorls of 8-12 needle-like leaves. Each leaf is 1/2 to 1 1/2″ long, up to 1/8″ wide, and has a pointed tip. Both leaves and stem are covered with short hairs. Dense terminal clusters of fragrant, yellow flowers appear in the leaf axils of the upper part of the plant in summer. Each flower is about 1/8″ across and usually has 4 petals. Dried plants were used to stuff mattresses in the Middle Ages and the flowers were used to coagulate milk in cheese making. The genus name, Galium, is from the Greek word γάλα (gala) meaning milk, and refers to the use of the plant in cheese making. The specific epithet, vernum, is the Latin word meaning true and refers the fact that this species is most well known of the genus.
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Bloom: Dense terminal clusters of small, fragrant, 4-petaled yellow flowers in summer
Size: 8-30″ H x 2-3′ W
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Average, dry to medium moist, well-drained
USDA Hardiness: Zones 4-8
Care: Plants may be weedy and need control
Pests and Diseases: Generally healthy but susceptible to powdery mildew, rust and fungal leaf spot.
Propagation: Division
Companion Plants: Grasses, Salvia nemorosa, Nepeta spp
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Karen