Bedstraw

• Format: Still Image
• Language: unknown
• Subjects: Wild flowers > United States; Madder; Iceland
• Online Access: http://oregondigital.org/catalog/oregondigital:df715d75k

(Galium) The species are numerous, chiefly in the mountainous regions in, or near, the tropics. About 300 species are known, some of which are common weeds. One is called cheese rennet because it will curdle milk, and is used for that purpose. The flowering tops, boiled in alum, afford a dye of bright yellow which is much used in Iceland. Scotch Highlanders have long used the roots and bark for dying yarn red. Like madder, this plant has the property of imparting a red color to the bones and milk of animals feeding on them. The roasted seeds of some of them have been recommended as a substitute for coffee; it seems to be all right, except that it lacks the active principle of caffeine. The name bedstraw is supposed to be derived from the ancient employment of some of the species, the herbage of which is soft and fine, for strewing beds.