northern bedstraw
Galium boreale
northern bedstraw (Galium boreale) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 12 in tall and 6–12 in wide, needs medium to high water, and prefers full sun to partial shade to dappled sun. Fire-wise zone 1-2 perennial; ignitability rating 8.0/10.
Colorado nativeOn the CSFS firewise listmedium to high water12 in tall and 6–12 in wideDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Galium boreale
- Type
- Perennial
- Mature size
- 12 in tall and 6–12 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~8–12 in apart
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Water needs
- medium to high water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade, dappled sun. Flowers best with more sun.
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Bloom color
- white
- Bloom time
- mid spring, early summer
- Pollinator value
- high
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Native ecoregion
- shortgrass prairie, foothills
Planting & establishment
Deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is northern bedstraw good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, northern bedstraw is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does northern bedstraw get?
- It matures to about 12 in tall and 6–12 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant northern bedstraw?
- Space northern bedstraw about 8 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 12 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is northern bedstraw hardy on the Front Range?
- northern bedstraw is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does northern bedstraw need?
- It needs medium to high water once established.
- Is northern bedstraw native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is northern bedstraw deer-resistant?
- northern bedstraw is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is northern bedstraw a good firewise plant near the house?
- northern bedstraw is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- How long does northern bedstraw bloom?
- northern bedstraw blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
