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Description
Galium Divaricatum, commonly known as spreading bedstraw, is a native plant to North America. It is a perennial herb that belongs to the Rubiaceae family, which is the same family as coffee plants. This plant has a sprawling growth habit and is usually found in dry habitats, such as woodlands, chaparral, and coastal sage scrub. The leaves of Galium Divaricatum are arranged in whorls around the stem, and the stems are covered in tiny hooked hairs that allow the plant to cling to other objects. The flowers of this plant are small and white, and they bloom from late spring to early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Genus | Galium |
Appearance
Galium Divaricatum is a low-growing plant that can reach up to 1 meter in length. The stems of this plant are slender and green, and they are covered in tiny hooked hairs that allow them to cling to other objects. The leaves of this plant are arranged in whorls around the stem, and they are typically 1-3 cm long and 0.5-1.5 cm wide. The leaves are lance-shaped and have pointed tips. The flowers of Galium Divaricatum are small and white, and they are typically less than 5 mm in diameter. The flowers are arranged in clusters at the ends of the stems, and they bloom from late spring to early summer.
Care Guide
Galium Divaricatum is a relatively low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:- Water: This plant prefers well-draining soil and does not tolerate standing water. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter months.- Fertilization: Galium Divaricatum does not require fertilization.- Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.- Sunlight: Galium Divaricatum prefers partial shade to full sun.- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Galium Divaricatum is generally not prone to many pests or diseases. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites and aphids. To prevent these pests, keep the plant well-watered and avoid over-fertilization, which can attract pests. In terms of diseases, this plant can be susceptible to root rot if it is over-watered.
Habitat
Galium Divaricatum is native to North America and is typically found in dry habitats, such as woodlands, chaparral, and coastal sage scrub. It can also be found in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and fields. This plant can tolerate a range of soil types and can grow in both sunny and shaded areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Galium Divaricatum be grown indoors?
A: No, Galium Divaricatum is an outdoor plant that requires full sun to partial shade.
Q: Does Galium Divaricatum require pruning?
A: No, Galium Divaricatum does not require pruning. However, you can trim back the plant in the fall to prevent it from becoming too leggy.
Q: How often does Galium Divaricatum need to be watered?
A: Water Galium Divaricatum deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter months.
Q: What is the ideal soil pH for Galium Divaricatum?
A: Galium Divaricatum prefers a slightly acidic soil pH of 5.5-6.5.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Galium Divaricatum:- Galium aparine (cleavers)- Galium odoratum (sweet woodruff)- Galium tricornutum (small bedstraw)- Galium verum (lady’s bedstraw)
References
– “Galium Divaricatum.” Calflora. Accessed 1 June 2021. https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Galium+divaricatum.- “Galium Divaricatum.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed 1 June 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=GADI.- “Spreading Bedstraw.” Las Pilitas Nursery. Accessed 1 June 2021. http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/galium-divaricatum.
