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$9.50
Galium verum
Hardy perennial spreading ground cover. The leaves are edible raw or cooked, and chopped up leaves can be used as a rennet to coagulate plant milks. Lady’s Bedstraw is related to madder and yields similar dyes, red from the roots, and yellow from the flowers. The yellow can be used as a food colouring, and gives its colour to the cheese Double Gloucester. The flowers can be steeped to make a refreshing drink, and the plant is also used to infuse spirits such as the Danish drink Bjæsk. The seeds are also said to be edible.
The plant has a long history of medicinal uses as a diuretic and for skin complaints, amongst other things, but is little used in modern medicine.
In the past the dried plant was used as a strewing herb and was said to repel fleas due to the coumarin content of the leaves. It was also used as a stuffing for mattresses for this reason, hence the name. At the very least it could make useful bedding for chooks, and possibly also a stuffing for homemade toys? Last but not least the flowers attract butterflies. Tolerates moist or dry soil in a sunny or partly shady position, and grows to about 60cm. 9cm pot. Certified organic plant.
N.B. Shipping costs are added AFTER you have placed your order, you will then be emailed an invoice with bank details.
Smallest box rate:
This can fit up to 9 plants in 9cm pots.
Shipping a single tree can be expensive. We may be able to fit more in the box for the same price! See our shipping rates for single and multi tree boxes.
Combining sizes?
No problem, we will work out the best rate for you once you’ve placed your order.
Jo has a passion for growing herbs but is not a qualified herbalist and has no medical background.
We are lucky to have Patricia Beagle working here at times, who is qualified, and some of her advice does appear on these pages, but herbs act differently for different people and can interact with other medicines. We therefore always recommend that you consult with your own qualified health-care practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing or on any medications.
Kahikatea Farm cannot take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants or a plant not having the effect it is reputed to have.
