Photographs: Ballingeary, Co. Cork

Heath Bedstraw Galium saxatile Luibh na bhfear gonta Family: Rubiaceae Flowering time: June-August. Perennial. Native. Cymes of small white flowers with 4-petals. Leaves in whorls of 5-8, oblong-lanceolate, single veined with forward pointing prickles on edges. The branched stems are 4-angled and more/less prostrate to ascending with many mat-forming non-flowering shoots. Height/spread: To 20cm Frequent on infertile acidic soils on heaths, rocky ground, road banks and in woodland and unimproved upland grassland. Similar: Hedge Bedstraw, Galium album

Heath Bedstraw, Galium saxatile, Luibh na bhfear gonta