Galium saxatile Heath Bedstraw

A small, winter-green, perennial bedstraw which usually forms prostrate mats which become covered in white flowers in summer. It is a species of acidic grassland, heathland and will also colonise dry, bare areas of peaty ground as a pioneer. It is a strong calcifuge and a good indicator of acidic habitats. The leaves are charcateristically short, elliptical and rather blunt at their tips with an abrupt, sharp point. It is widespread and common in Britain, mostly in the uplands and it is very common in Wales. It is ubiquitous in the acidic uplands of the South Wales Coalfield in Neath Port Tabot and a characteristic species of the in drier, heathy areas of the Gower Commons, e.g Cefn Bryn. It also occurs in clacifuge communities on the more acidic, leached boulder clay soils of the south Gower cliffs.

Native