Galium trifidum, commonly known as Three-petal Bedstraw, is a perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including moist meadows, swamps, wet forest clearings, and along streams in arctic, temperate, and subtropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere. This includes northern and central Asia, northern and eastern Europe, and much of North America. It typically grows up to 20 inches (half a meter) long, with sprawling thin stems that can form dense mats. The leaves are linear to oval and arranged in whorls around the stem. From late spring to early fall, it produces small, delicate clusters of white or pinkish flowers, each with usually three petal-like lobes, which are not particularly showy but add a fine texture to the plant’s appearance.

Three-petal Bedstraw is valued for its ability to cover ground quickly, stabilizing soil and providing a green carpet in wetland gardens and naturalized areas. It is also used in restoration projects where its rapid growth and tolerance of wet conditions are beneficial. In cultivation, it prefers partial shade to full sun, consistently moist soils, and can tolerate a range of soil types provided they are well-drained. While generally low-maintenance, it can spread aggressively in ideal conditions, spreading by its rhizomes and seeds. Gardeners should be cautious when introducing it to areas where it can spread unchecked.CC BY-SA 4.0