West Highland Flora

Heath Bedstraw


Galium saxatile

 

Galium saxatile

Photo © Carl Farmer
9 Jun 2003 Penifiler, Skye

Very common on acid ground whether rocks, turf, bare soil or old dykes, especially in moorland areas.

Flower diameter c 2.5-4.5 mm

ID: Leaves in whorls of 6-8, ending in a short point.  Flowers white, with petals much longer than tube.  Stems not rough.  Compact mat-forming plant, not large and straggly.

Other features: Can carpet areas of rocks or banks to give a white cushion effect when in flower.  Leaves have foward-pointing prickles along edges.  Anthers yellow when young (dark red in Marsh Bedstraw)  Fruit without bristles, covered with pointed tubercles.

 

Galium saxatile

Photo © Carl Farmer
12 Sep 2002 Portree, Skye

Fruits

  Galium saxatile

Photo © Carl Farmer
12 Sep 2002 Portree, Skye

Leaves showing point at tip


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