The biology of Canadian weeds. 121. Galium mollugo L.

Abstract

Galium mollugo L. (smooth bedstraw) is a long-lived perennial broadleaved plant that reproduces both vegetatively and by seed. Galium mollugo can be a strong competitor in long-lived forage crops such as bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.), timothy (Phleum pratense L.), and orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L.), as well as in short-lived forage crops such as red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and yellow sweet-clover [Melilotus officinalis (L.) Lam.]. It is also a problem weed in spruce plantations and re-vegetation areas. Livestock typically avoid this species, allowing it to become well-established in pastures where it outcompetes more favourable species. Moreover, G. mollugo is viewed as a successful invasive species because of its ability to colonize and proliferate in areas such as established meadows where most invasive species do not thrive. In natural meadow communities, G. mollugo is often a dominant species that is capable of colonizing areas left vacant by the death and/or displacement of other species. Under favourable conditions, G. mollugo growth and clonal expansion can increase rapidly. Galium mollugo is generally tolerant to herbicides such as 2,4-D, MCPA, 2,4-DB, and dicamba. Key words: Smooth bedstraw, GALMO, Galium mollugo, Rubiaceae, weed biology, pastures