Overview
Galium angustifolium Nutt. ex Gray var. foliosum Hilend & Howell, commonly known as narrowleaf bedstraw or wild licorice, is a perennial plant of the Rubiaceae family. It is a member of the genus Galium, which includes around 600 species of annual and perennial herbs found throughout the temperate regions of the world.
Origin
Narrowleaf bedstraw is native to North America and can be found throughout the western part of the continent, ranging from southern Alaska to California and eastward to Montana, Idaho, and Nevada.
Common Names
In addition to narrowleaf bedstraw and wild licorice, this plant is also commonly referred to as blue mountain tea, smallbedstraw, and Northern bedstraw.
Uses
The leaves and stems of narrowleaf bedstraw have been used by various indigenous groups of North America for medicinal purposes. The Blackfoot people of Montana brewed the plant's aerial parts as a tonic for treating coughs and colds, while the Okanagan-Colville and Nez Perce tribes used the plant as a wash for treating skin irritations and rashes.
In addition to its medicinal properties, narrowleaf bedstraw has also been used for various other purposes. The plant's roots have been used as a dye, producing a red tint, while the dried leaves have been used as a fragrance in sachets and potpourris.
General Appearance
Narrowleaf bedstraw is a sprawling plant that grows up to three feet tall. It has slender, woody stems that branch out extensively and can form mats on the ground. The leaves of this plant are long and narrow, measuring around 1-2 inches in length, and are arranged in whorls of four or five around the stem. Narrowleaf bedstraw produces small clusters of white, fragrant flowers that bloom from June to September.
Light Requirements
Galium angustifolium Nutt. ex Gray var. foliosum Hilend & Howell prefers partial shade to full sun. It can survive under shade but produces fewer flowers and fruits than in full sun. In regions with strong summer sunlight, partial shade may be necessary to protect the plant and prevent water loss.
Temperature Requirements
Galium angustifolium Nutt. ex Gray var. foliosum Hilend & Howell is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures, from hot summers to cold winters. However, it prefers temperate climates with an average temperature of 60 to 75 F (15 to 24 C) during the day and 40 to 50 F (4 to 10 C) at night. In regions with hot summers, the plant may benefit from afternoon shade and ample water. In cold regions, the plant may go dormant during the winter, but will regrow in the spring.
Soil Requirements
Galium angustifolium Nutt. ex Gray var. foliosum Hilend & Howell prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. The ideal soil should be rich in organic matter, allowing the plant to absorb nutrients easily. The plant is native to areas with volcanic soils, but it can grow in various soil types as long as they are well-drained. It is also recommended to mix organic matter, such as compost, into the soil to improve drainage and nutrient absorption.
Cultivation of Galium Angustifolium Nutt. Ex Gray var. Foliosum Hilend & Howell
Galium angustifolium Nutt. ex Gray var. foliosum Hilend & Howell is a flowering plant that thrives in warm, dry climates. Here are some cultivation tips to help you grow this plant successfully:
Watering Requirements
It is essential to water Galium angustifolium Nutt. ex Gray var. foliosum Hilend & Howell regularly but avoid over-watering it. Watering once a week should suffice, but this may vary depending on the climate and soil type. In very hot or dry climates, you may need to water the plant twice a week.
Fertilization
Galium angustifolium Nutt. ex Gray var. foliosum Hilend & Howell doesn't require much fertilization. If you decide to fertilize, it's essential to use a slow-release fertilizer to avoid over-fertilization. During the plant's growth period, you can fertilize it every two or three months, but limit it to one application per growing season.
Pruning
The best time to prune Galium angustifolium Nutt. ex Gray var. foliosum Hilend & Howell is after its blooming season. You can prune the plant down to the ground, removing any dead stems or leaves. Pruning helps to promote new growth and maintain the plant's shape and size.
Propagation of Galium angustifolium Nutt?. ex Gray var. foliosum Hilend & Howell
Galium angustifolium Nutt. ex Gray var. foliosum Hilend & Howell, commonly known as "Narrowleaf bedstraw," can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Galium angustifolium can be harvested from the plant in summer after they have ripened. The collected seeds should be sown immediately in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist. It usually takes about one to two weeks for the seeds to germinate.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings can also be used to propagate Galium angustifolium. Using a sharp and sterilized knife, take cuttings from the plant in the spring or fall. The cuttings should be about 3-4 inches long with a few leaves attached. Dip the cut ends in rooting hormone and plant them in a pot or directly in the garden soil. Keep the soil moist and in a shaded area until the cuttings take root.
Propagation by Division
Galium angustifolium can be propagated by division in the spring or fall. Divide the plant by carefully removing it from the soil and separating the roots into smaller sections. Replant the sections in well-draining soil and keep the soil moist until the plant establishes itself.
Disease Management
Galium angustifolium Nutt. ex Gray var. foliosum Hilend & Howell is relatively disease resistant. However, some of the common diseases that might affect this plant are fungal leaf spot, powdery mildew, and rust.
- Fungal leaf spot: This disease can be identified through the small brown, black, or tan spots that appear on the leaves. To manage the disease, remove and destroy infected leaves and ensure proper sanitation practices. Additionally, apply fungicides as preventive measures.
- Powdery mildew: This disease manifests through a white powdery substance on the leaves. To manage the disease, prune infected leaves and improve air circulation in the growing area. Use fungicides as a preventive measure.
- Rust: Rust appears as yellow, orange, or brown pustules on the plant leaves. To manage the disease, remove and destroy infected leaves. Also, use fungicides as indicated by the product label.
Pest Management
Galium angustifolium Nutt. ex Gray var. foliosum Hilend & Howell can be affected by various pests. Here are the common pests and ways to manage them:
- Spider mites: These pests suck the sap from plant leaves, leading to the yellowing and eventual dropping of the leaves. To manage them, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Aphids: Aphids can be identified through the distortion of plant leaves and stunted plant growth. To control them, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Jassids: These pests suck the sap from the plant leaves, leading to yellowing and eventual drying of the affected leaves. To manage them, use appropriate insecticides.
- Whiteflies: These insects weaken the plant by sucking its sap and spreading diseases. Other than using insecticides, you can also release biological control agents such as ladybugs to manage the pests.
