Photographs: the Gearagh, Co. Cork

Great Marsh-bedstraw Galium palustre subsp. elongatum Rú corraigh mór Family: Rubiaceae Flowering time: June-July. Perennial. Native. White flowers with 4-petals (3-4mm), the stamens protruding. Leaves are in whorls, oblong-elliptical, 20-35mm long and with a single vein. A hairless plant with square stems. Height to 1m. Very similar to Common Marsh-bedstraw, Galium palustre but taller and with stronger growth. Occurs on wet ground by the edge of lakes, ponds and marshes and in reed beds. Identification confirmed by Paul Green BSBI

Great Marsh-bedstraw, Galium palustre subsp. elongatum, Rú corraigh mór