Galium oreganum, commonly known as Oregon Bedstraw, is a semi-deciduous perennial herb native to the understory of moist coniferous and mixed deciduous-coniferous forests in the Pacific Northwest, including regions of Oregon and Washington. It typically grows to a height of 0.7-1 feet (0.2-0.3 meters) and spreads 0.6-2.4 feet (0.2-0.7 meters), forming a low, sprawling mat. Oregon Bedstraw features whorled leaves and small, star-shaped yellow flowers that bloom in the summer, adding a subtle charm to shaded garden areas. The plant’s foliage may turn reddish in the fall, providing additional seasonal interest.

Oregon Bedstraw is valued for its ability to thrive in shady conditions, making it an excellent ground cover for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and naturalized areas. It is also used for its fine-textured foliage that complements bolder-leaved plants. This plant prefers consistently moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter and benefits from mulching to retain soil moisture. While it is drought-tolerant once established, it should not be allowed to dry out completely. Oregon Bedstraw is generally low-maintenance, but it can be susceptible to rust and other fungal diseases in overly wet conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0