We have been seeing many Galium species on our walks lately, including Wild Licorice. Generally, the main species sought after is Cleavers for medicinal uses. Otherwise, Galium species generally just serve as a handy example of "whorled" leaves (when the leaves extend out in a circular pattern from a central connection point along the stem- one of three main leaf arrangement types along with alternate and opposite) and usually receive the less-than-precise title of Bedstraw. These common weeds, however, deserve more attention than that. I will be attempting to gather up some pictures of leaves, flowers, and fruits in the coming weeks in order to present a bit on this large genus.
This species was on display in the driveway in Greeley and I thought I would capture a photo in preview of a future blog.
