Galium elongatum, commonly known as marsh bedstraw or tall bedstraw, is a perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including moist meadows, fens, riverbanks, and damp woodlands across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, including Turkey, Palestine, and Iran. It typically grows to a height of 60-120 cm (24-47 inches) and has a slender, erect form. The leaves are arranged in whorls of 6-8 along the stem, and the plant features panicles of small, star-shaped white flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. The flowers are not particularly showy but are attractive to pollinators such as bees.

Marsh bedstraw is valued for its ability to thrive in moist, challenging environments where other plants may struggle. It is often used in naturalistic plantings, such as wildlife gardens and restoration projects, where it can provide cover for small animals and insects. In cultivation, it prefers consistently moist soil, partial shade to full sun, and can tolerate a range of soil types provided they are well-drained. While not commonly used in formal garden settings, it can be an interesting addition to a native plant garden or a rain garden designed to manage runoff. It is generally low-maintenance but may require control in smaller gardens as it can spread via rhizomes. There are no significant disease or pest problems associated with this species, but it can become invasive if conditions allow for unchecked growth.CC BY-SA 4.0