Galium murale
🍃leaf (5)
🌸flower (5)
🍎fruit (3)
🌳bark (2)
🌿habit (5)
🌱other (4)

Galium murale

Small Goosegrass · Yellow wall bedstraw · Tiny bedstraw · Small bedstraw · Wall bedstraw

Tier 2 Difficulty: medium Water: low Light: partial_sun
Water every
7 days
Temperature
15–35 °C
Soil pH
6–8
Hardiness
Zone 7–10
Click count
205
Observations
176

Description

Source: leafsnap

Galium murale, commonly known as Wall Bedstraw, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Rubiaceae family. Native to Europe and Asia, this plant has been introduced and naturalized in many regions worldwide. It typically grows up to 60 centimeters tall and has a sprawling habit, with slender stems covered in small, hooked hairs. The leaves of Galium murale are arranged in whorls of 6-8 around the stem, with each leaf being narrow and lance-shaped. Its small flowers, which are white or greenish-yellow, are arranged in clusters at the end of each stem. These flowers bloom from May to September. Galium murale thrives in dry or rocky habitats such as walls, cliffsides, or rocky outcrops. It can also be found growing in disturbed areas such as roadsides or waste sites. The plant is often used for medicinal purposes due to its diuretic properties. Overall, Galium murale is an interesting plant due to its unique growth habit on walls, which makes it stand out from other plants typically found on flat surfaces.

Care Guide

💧 Water Every 7 days

Originating from Mediterranean-like environments, Galium murale prefers moderate and consistent moisture without becoming waterlogged, although it does have some tolerance to drought. It is best to water the plant twice a week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Typically grown outdoors, Galium murale thrives when the soil moisture is balanced with adequate sunlight exposure and suitable ambient temperatures.

Suggested frequency: Every 7 days
☀️ Light Partial sun

Small cleavers come from places with dappled sunlight, such as forest understories or rocky sites that offer natural shade. They do well in partial sun but can also adapt to full-sun conditions.

Ideal: Partial sun
🌡️ Temperature 15–35°C

small cleavers can adapt to a wide range of temperatures, but its distribution may still be limited by different combinations of water and heat conditions. It does best in warm summer climates with sufficient rainfall or watering. Extended periods of cloudy, rainy weather or prolonged high temperatures can increase the chance of small cleavers dying. In winter, providing proper protection against cold can improve the plant's survival rate.

Ideal temperature: 15–35°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-8
Soil pH: 6-8
🌱 Fertilizer

Small cleavers do well with regular, light applications of fertilizer to encourage healthy leaf development. Fertilize small cleavers roughly once a month throughout the summer. Nitrogen is vital for foliage, and adding nitrogen-rich sources supports small cleavers' growth.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

Pruning Galium murale from early to late spring promotes healthy growth by fostering a bushier shape and eliminating dead stems. This practice helps control its rapid spread, encourages a compact form, and prevents overcrowding, all of which contribute to robust flowering. Additionally, it helps maintain the vitality and aesthetics of the garden.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Annual
Genus
Galium
Family
Rubiaceae
Hardiness Zone
7-10
Mature Height
5 cm to 30 cm
Mature Spread
10 cm to 25 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Size
0.10 cm to 0.20 cm
Bloom Time
Spring
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
Native Area
Libya, Somalia, Egypt, Turkey, Croatia, Morocco, Iraq, Portugal, France, Tunisia, Cyprus, Greece, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Syria, Italy, Spain, Iran, Albania, Algeria

Tags (5)

Common Names (6)

en Small Goosegrass
en Yellow wall bedstraw
en Tiny bedstraw
en Small bedstraw
en Wall bedstraw
en Wall Goosegrass