Forest Bedstraw, Licorice Bedstraw, Forest Licorice Bedstraw, Wild Licorice, Wild White Licorice

Galium circaezans

GAL-ee-um  ?

Synonyms of Galium circaezans (9) (Updated on 1-14-23 from Plants of the World Online): Galium boreale Walter, Galium brachiatum Muhl., Galium circaeoides Roem. & Schult., Galium circaezans var. glabellum Britton, Galium circaezans var. glabrum Britton, Galium circaezans var. hypomalacum Fernald, Galium circaezans var. montanum Torr. & A.Gray, Galium circaezans var. typicum Fernald, Galium rotundifolium var. circaezans (Michx.) Kuntze

Galium circaezans Michx. is the accepted scientific name for this species. It was named and described as such by André Michaux in Flora Boreali-Americana in 1803.

The genus, Galium L., was named and described as such by Carl von Linnaeus in the first volume of the first edition of Species Plantarum in 1753.

As of 1-14-23 when this page was last updated, Plants of the World Online lists 636 species in the Galium genus. It is a member of the plant family Rubiaceae with 609 genera.

The above distribution map for Galium circaezans if from the USDA Plants Database. Areas in green show where the species is native.

The map on iNaturalist shows where members have made observations. Anyone can join and it is a great website to confirm and share your observations. The maps on iNaturalist are continually updated as members post new observations.

THERE ARE SEVERAL LINKS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE FOR FURTHER READING AND FOR A POSITIVE ID.

Hello! I first found this Galium circaezans in the brush along the Katy Trail (actually a spur of the Rock Island Railroad) that runs along the south side of the farm. At first glance, I thought it was a Silene stellata (Starry Campion), but when I uploaded the photos on my computer I noticed it could be something else…

Then I used the drag-and-drop feature on iNaturalist and the #1 suggested name was Galium circaezans… Common names include Licorice Bedstraw, Forrest Bedstraw, Forest Licorice Bedstraw, White Licorice, Wild White Licorice, and probably others. It depends on what website you are reading.

Being it is a Galium species, it is a cousin of the dreaded Galium aparine (Cleavers, Catchweed Bedstraw, Sock Destroyer). Where the entire plant of Galium aparine has a sticky feeling and will stick to anything, this species isn’t like that at all.

A few days later on June 16, I was working on a friend’s landscaping, and there was another one next to a blue spruce. Luckily I had the camera…

I will write better descriptions later after the annual updates are made. Over the winter months I make updates, write new pages, and add more photos to existing pages. There are several links at the bottom of the page for further reading… Missouri Plants and Illinois Wildflowers are especially helpful.

 

 

 

I have enjoyed photographing and learning about the many wildflowers growing on the family farm and in other areas nearby. The farm is in Windsor, Missouri in Pettis County (Henry County is across the street, and Benton and Johnson aren’t far away). I have grown over 500 different plants and identified over 250 species of wildflowers (most have pages listed on the right side of the page). I am not an expert, botanist, or horticulturalist. I just like growing, photographing, and writing about my experience. I rely on several websites for ID and a few horticulturalists I contact if I cannot figure them out. Wildflowers can be variable from location to location, so that can be a bit confusing. If you see I have made an error, please let me know so I can correct what I have written.

I hope you found this page useful and be sure to check the links below for more information. They were written by experts and provide much more information. Some sites may not be up-to-date but they are always a work in progress. If you can, I would appreciate it if you would click on the “Like” below and leave a comment. It helps us bloggers stay motivated. You can also send an email to me at thebelmontrooster@yahoo.com. I would enjoy hearing from you especially if you notice something is a bit whacky.

FOR FURTHER READING:
PLANTS OF THE WORLD ONLINE (GENUS/SPECIES)
INTERNATIONAL PLANT NAMES INDEX (GENUS/SPECIES)
TROPICOS (GENUS/SPECIES)
FLORA OF MISSOURI (GENUS/SPECIES)
WORLD FLORA ONLINE (GENUS/SPECIES)
WIKIPEDIA (GENUS/SPECIES)
USDA PLANTS DATABASE
DAVE’S GARDEN
MISSOURI PLANTS
MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN
iNATURALIST
WILDFLOWER SEARCH
ILLINOIS WILDFLOWERS
MINNESOTA WILDFLOWERS
GO BOTANY
FLORA FINDER
MARYLAND BIODIVERSITY PROJECT

NOTE: The data (figures, maps, accepted names, etc.) may not match on these websites. It depends on when and how they make updates and when their sources make updates. Some websites have hundreds and even many thousands of species to keep up with. Accepted scientific names change periodically and it can be hard to keep with as well. Some of the links may use a name that is a synonym on other sites. In my opinion, Plants of the World Online by Kew is the most reliable and up-to-date plant database and they make updates on a regular basis. I make updates “at least” once a year and when I write new pages or add new photos but I do get behind. We are all a work in progress. 🙂