Common marsh bedstraw (Galium palustre)

Present distribution

Scientific name:	Galium palustre L.
Common name(s):	common marsh bedstraw

This weed is not known to be naturalised in Victoria

Habitat:

Swamps, stream banks, wet meadows. (Connecticut Botanical Society), pool edges, underbrush (Wetlands of northern Tuscany), embankments (Zipcode Zoo), bogs, lakesides and riverbanks and sometimes damp shady forest margins and clearings (Flora of NZ).

Moist, well drained soil, partial to full shade (Zipcode Zoo), marshy stream banks (Emmitt 1983)

Potential distribution

Potential distribution produced from CLIMATE modelling refined by applying suitable landuse and vegetation type overlays with CMA boundaries

Map Overlays Used

Land Use:
Forestry; Pasture dryland; pasture irrigation; water

Ecological Vegetation Divisions
Swampy scrub; freshwater wetland (permanent); treed swampy wetland; lowland forest; foothills forest; forby forest; damp forest; riparian; wet forest; rainforest; high altitude shrubland/woodland; high altitude wetland; alpine treeless; western plains woodland; basalt grassland; alluvial plains woodland; ironbark/box; riverine woodland/forest; freshwater wetland (ephemeral); chenopod shrubland; chenopod mallee; hummock-grass mallee; lowan mallee.

Colours indicate possibility of Galium palustre infesting these areas.

In the non-coloured areas the plant is unlikely to establish as the climate, soil or landuse is not presently suitable.

map showing the potiential distribution of galium palustre

Red= Very high	Orange = Medium
Yellow = High	Green = Likely

Impact

QUESTION	COMMENTS	RATING	CONFIDENCE
Social
1. Restrict human access?	Galium palustre is a perennial plant up to 50cm tall with slender, weak and straggling stems (Wetlands of northern Tuscany 2004; Flora of New Zealand 2004). Unlike other bedstraw species G. palustre does not form mats (Skye Flora 2008). - This species will cause minimal or negligible impact to access by humans and vehicles.	L	M
2. Reduce tourism?	G. palustre is a perennial plant growing to 50cm tall (Wetlands of northern Tuscany 2004). Unlike other species of bedstraw G. palustre does not form mats (Skye Flora 2008). G. palustre produces dense clusters of tiny fragrant flowers which are often produced in great masses. When the plant is luxuriant, the flowers are very conspicuous among the other fen or marsh plants (Flora of Northern Ireland 2008; Zipcode Zoo 2008). - Flowers of this species may be conspicuous in high volume causing minor effects to aesthetics and/or recreational uses (aware of but not bothered).	ML	M
3. Injurious to people?	This species possesses small down-turned prickles on the leaf edge (Wetlands of northern Tuscany 2004; Skye Flora 2008). The hay-scented leaves are hairy underneath (Zipcode Zoo 2008). - G. palustre may be mildly toxic and may cause some physiological issues (eg. Hay fever or minor rashes).	ML	M
4. Damage to cultural sites?	G. palustre is a perennial growing to 50cm tall (Wetlands of northern Tuscany 2004). The plant produces masses of dense clusters of tiny fragrant flowers which can be very conspicuous among the other plants of a fen or marsh (Flora of Northern Ireland 2008; Zipcode Zoo 2008). Unlike other bedstraw species G. palustre does not form mats (Skye Flora 2008). - Abundant flowers may create a moderate visual effect.	ML	M
Abiotic
5. Impact flow?	G. palustre grows to 50cm tall with slender, weak and straggling stems (Wetlands of northern Tuscany 2004; Flora of New Zealand 2004). It grows around swamps, lakesides and riverbanks (Flora of New Zealand 2004), along stream banks, in wet meadows and bogs (Connecticut Botanical Society 2005; Wetlands of northern Tuscany 2004). G. palustre is a terrestrial weed. - Little or negligible impact on water flow.	ML	M
6. Impact water quality?	G. palustre grows to 50 cm high around swamps, lakesides and riverbanks (Flora of New Zealand 2004), along stream banks, in wet meadows and bogs (Connecticut Botanical Society 2005; Wetlands of northern Tuscany 2004). G. palustre is a terrestrial weed, but has potential to effect water quality. - Noticeable to minor effects to light levels	ML	M
7. Increase soil erosion?	G. palustre grows to 50 cm high around swamps, lakesides and riverbanks (Flora of New Zealand 2004), along stream banks, in wet meadows and bogs (Connecticut Botanical Society 2005; Wetlands of northern Tuscany 2004). - Low probability of large scale soil movement, OR decrease the probability of large scale soil movement	L	M
8. Reduce biomass?	G. palustre grows to 50cm tall with slender, weak and straggling stems (Wetlands of northern Tuscany 2004; Flora of New Zealand 2004). G. palustre will be out shaded by woody plants through succession (Emmitt 1983). Unlike other bedstraw species G. palustre does not form mats (Skye Flora 2008). - G. palustre will be out-competed by woody plants, as a consequence, biomass may increase	L	M
9. Change fire regime?	No information	MH	L
Community Habitat
10. Impact on composition (a) high value EVC	EVC = Plains Woodland (E); CMA = Wimmera; Bioregion = Wimmera; VH CLIMATE potential. G. palustre grows to 50 cm high (Wetlands of northern Tuscany 2004) with slender, weak and straggling stems (Flora of New Zealand 2004). Unlike other bedstraw species G. palustre does not form mats (Skye Flora 2008). G. palustre will be over-shaded by larger woody species (Emmitt 1983). -Minor displacement of some dominant or indicator species, within any one strata/layer.	ML	M
(b) medium value EVC	EVC = Metamorphic Slopes Shrubby Woodland (D); CMA = North Central; Bioregion = Goldfields; VH CLIMATE potential. G. palustre grows to 50 cm high (Wetlands of northern Tuscany 2004) with slender, weak and straggling stems (Flora of New Zealand 2004). Unlike other bedstraw species G. palustre does not form mats (Skye Flora 2008). G. palustre will be over-shaded by larger woody species (Emmitt 1983). -Minor displacement of some dominant or indicator species, within any one strata/layer.	ML	M
(c) low value EVC	EVC = Damp Forest (LC); CMA = East Gippsland; Bioregion = East Gippsland Lowlands; VH CLIMATE potential. G. palustre grows to 50 cm high (Wetlands of northern Tuscany 2004) with slender, weak and straggling stems (Flora of New Zealand 2004). Unlike other bedstraw species G. palustre does not form mats (Skye Flora 2008). G. palustre will be over-shaded by larger woody species (Emmitt 1983). -Minor displacement of some dominant or indicator species, within any one strata/layer.	ML	M
11. Impact on structure?	G. palustre grows to 50 cm high (Wetlands of northern Tuscany 2004) with slender, weak and straggling stems (Flora of New Zealand 2004). Unlike other bedstraw species G. palustre does not form mats (Skye Flora 2008). G. palustre will be over-shaded by larger woody species (Emmitt 1983). G. palustre is a small weak plant. If it was to have an impact on vegetation strata, it would be the lower understorey. It is out competed through natural succession, and with some competition it will be phased out of the vegetation. - Minor or negligible effect on <20% of the floral strata layers present; usually only affecting one of the strata.	L	MH
12. Effect on threatened flora?	Unlike other bedstraw species G. palustre does not form mats (Skye Flora 2008) G. palustre has slender weak and straggling stems (Flora of New Zealand 2004). Overshading by woody plants through succession (Emmitt 1983). - Minor or negligible effects on any bioregional priority or VROT species.	L	MH
Fauna
13. Effect on threatened fauna?	G. palustre can grow up to 50cm tall with slender, weak and straggling stems (Flora of New Zealand 2004). Unlike other bedstraw species G. palustre does not form mats (Skye Flora 2008). G. palustre will be out shaded by woody plants through succession (Emmitt 1983). - No threatened fauna affected to do fauna not co-existing within infested area or strata	L	MH
14. Effect on non-threatened fauna?	Unlike other bedstraw species G. palustre does not form mats (Skye Flora 2008) Slender weak and straggling stems (Flora of New Zealand 2004). G. palustre will be out shaded by woody plants through succession (Emmitt 1983). - No fauna effected due to fauna co-existing within weed strata or area	L	M
15. Benefits fauna?	G. palustre grows to 50cm with slender, weak and straggling stems (Flora of New Zealand 2004). Studies by Jutila (2003) G. palustre had significantly fewer seedlings in grazed plots than in un-grazed ones (Jutila 2003), suggesting that it is consumed by herbivores (domestic and native fauna). - G. palustre provides an important alternative food source to desirable species and/or harbour to desirable species	ML	MH
16. Injurious to fauna?	G. palustre has small down-turned prickles on leaf-edges (Skye Flora 2008; Wetlands of northern Tuscany 2004). The hay-scented leaves are hairy underneath (Zipcode Zoo 2008). - G. palustre has minor prickles and hairs which may be injurious or irritating to fauna. Mildly toxic, may cause fauna to lose condition	ML	M
Pest Animal
17. Food source to pests?	Studies by Jutila (2003) G. palustre had significantly fewer seedlings in grazed plots than in un-grazed ones, suggesting that it is consumed by herbivores (domestic and native fauna). Leaves contain phenolic compounds, known to be involved in defence against herbivores (Smolders et al. 2000). Studies by Jutila (2003) suggest that G. palustre is eaten by grazing animals, and possibly pest species such as rabbits and foxes. The leaves have a chemical deterrent to herbivores but it is still consumed. -Supplies food for one or more minor pest species.	ML	MH
18. Provides harbor?	G. palustre grows to 50cm with slender, weak and straggling stems (Flora of New Zealand 2004). Unlike other bedstraw species G. palustre does not form mats (Skye Flora 2008) - Capacity to harbour rabbits or foxes at low densities or as overnight cover	MH	M
Agriculture
19. Impact yield?	Unlike other bedstraw species G. palustre does not form mats (Skye Flora 2008). It will be overshaded by other woody plants through succession (Emmitt 1983). - Little or negligible impact on quantity of yield	L	MH
20. Impact quality?	G. palustre can grow up to 50cm tall with slender, weak and straggling stems (Flora of New Zealand 2004). Unlike other bedstraw species G. palustre is not matt forming (Skye Flora 2008). Through succession G. palustre will be out competed by woody plants (Emmitt 1983). Leaves contain phenolic compounds, known to be involved in defence against herbivores (Smolders et al. 2000) - Minor impact on the quality of produce (<5% reduction).	ML	MH
21. Affect land value?	G. palustre can grow up to 50cm tall with slender, weak and straggling stems (Flora of New Zealand 2004). Unlike other bedstraw species G. palustre is not matt forming (Skye Flora 2008). Through succession G. palustre will be out competed by woody plants (Emmitt 1983). - Little or no effect on land value	L	MH
22. Change land use?	G. palustre can grow up to 50cm tall with slender, weak and straggling stems (Flora of New Zealand 2004). Unlike other bedstraw species G. palustre is not matt forming (Skye Flora 2008). Through succession G. palustre will be out competed by woody plants (Emmitt 1983). - Little or no change.	L	M
23. Increase harvest costs?	G. palustre can grow up to 50cm tall with slender, weak and straggling stems (Flora of New Zealand 2004). Unlike other bedstraw species G. palustre is not matt forming (Skye Flora 2008). Through succession G. palustre will be out competed by woody plants (Emmitt 1983). Presence of G. palustre will not hinder harvesting in any way. Costs of harvesting will not increase. - Little or none.	L	M
24. Disease host/vector?	No evidence to suggest this species is a host/vector for disease	MH	L

Invasive

QUESTION	COMMENTS	RATING	CONFIDENCE
Establishment
1. Germination requirements?	Galium palustre requires a period of chilling prior to germination (Grime 1991). This species is found on embankments, borders and naturalised areas (Zipcode Zoo 2008), in swamps and along stream banks (Connecticut Botanical Society 2005). G. palustre requires moist to mesic soils (Darbyshire 1953). - Requires natural seasonal disturbances such as seasonal rainfall, spring/summer temperatures for germination	MH	MH
2. Establishment requirements?	G. palustre grows best on moist, well drained soil soils and is tolerant of partial to full shade. Species is found on embankments, borders and naturalised areas (Zipcode Zoo 2008), in swamps and along stream banks (Connecticut Botanical Society 2005). - G. palustre requires some specific requirements, moisture and sunlight to establish in the areas which it is invading, but habitat descriptions suggest that it is possible for this species to establish under any level of light. Can establish under moderate canopy/litter cover	MH	M
3. How much disturbance is required?	Marsh bedstraw particularly lives in peaty, temporarily flooded wet meadows and in sedge beds swamps and stream banks (Wetlands of northern Tuscany 2004; Connecticut Botanical Society 2005). It will also grow on embankments, borders and in naturalised areas (Zipcode Zoo 2008). - Establishes in relatively intact or minor disturbed natural ecosystems, or in well established pastures	MH	M
Growth/Competitive
4. Life form?	Perennial forb/herb (USDA 2008) growing up to 50cm tall (Wetlands of Northern Tuscany 2004). - Other	L	M
5. Allelopathic properties?	No evidence of allelopathic properties in this species. - None	MH	L
6. Tolerates herb pressure?	G. palustre is resistant to predations by deer (Zipcode Zoo 2008). Studies by Jutila (2003) G. palustre had significantly fewer seedlings in grazed plots than in un-grazed ones, suggesting that it is consumed by herbivores (domestic and native fauna). Leaves contain phenolic compounds, known to be involved in defense against herbivores (Smolders et al. 2000). Evidence suggests that G. palustre is eaten by herbivores but it is not preferentially selected. The leaves of G. palustre contain defences which may deter herbivores. - Consumed but not preferred	MH	MH
7. Normal growth rate?	Moderate growth (Zipcode Zoo 2008). - Growth rate equal to the same life form.	M	M
8. Stress tolerance to frost, drought, w/logg, sal. etc?	G. palustre prefers moist soils, although it is tolerant of drought. G. palustre has been found growing at elevations of up to 2500m, indicating some tolerance to moderate frost. G. palustre particularly lives in peaty, temporarily flooded wet meadows and in sedge beds swamps and stream banks (Wetlands of northern Tuscany 2004; Connecticut Botanical Society 2005). It will also grow on embankments, borders and in naturalised areas (Zipcode Zoo 2008); habitat indicates strong resistance to water logging. - G. palustre is tolerant of at least two and susceptible to at least one.	ML	M
Reproduction
9. Reproductive system	G. palustre can be propagated by separating root systems and crown division (Zipcode Zoo 2008). G. palustre is self-sowing (Zipcode Zoo 2008) - G. palustre is able to reproduce via both sexual and vegetative methods	H	M
10. Number of propagules produced?	Unknown	MH	L
11. Propagule longevity?	Unknown	MH	L
12. Reproductive period?	G. palustre is a perennial forb/herb (USDA 2008). It can be propagated by separating root systems and crown division (Zipcode Zoo 2008). - Mature plants produce viable propagules for 3-10 years.	MH	M
13. Time to reproductive maturity?	G. palustre is a perennial forb/herb (USDA 2008). It can be propagated by separating root systems and crown division (Zipcode Zoo 2008). - Produces propagules between 1-2 years after germination, OR vegetative propagules become separate individuals between 1-2 years	MH	L
Dispersal
14. Number of mechanisms?	Unknown	MH	L
15. How far do they disperse?	Unknown	MH	L

References

Darbyshire P (1953) Inventory of Canadian Agricultural Weeds, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Research Branch, Ottowa.

Emmitt DP (1983) For the Ohio Government Department of Natural Resources, available at www.dnr.state.oh.us/dnap/Abstracts/g/galipalu/tabid/1276/Default.aspx (verified 05 December 2008)

Global Compendium of Weeds, available at www.hear.org/gcw/species/galium_palustre (verified 11 November 2008)

Skye Flora available at http://www.plant-identification.co.uk/skye/rubiaceae/galium-palustre.htm (verified 05 December 2008)

Connecticut Botanical Society (2005), available at http://www.ct-botanical-society.org/galleries/galiumpalu.html (verified 10 November 2008)

Flora of Northern Ireland (2008) http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/species.asp?item=4313 (verified 05 December 2008)

Flora of New Zealand (2008), available at http://floraseries.landcareresearch.co.nz/pages/Taxon.aspx?id=_97099752-9082-448b-89acfc50776e32a9&fileName=Flora%204.xml#_97099752-9082-448b-89ac-fc50776e32a9 (verified 05 December 2008)

Jutila H (2003) Germination in Baltic coastal wetland meadows: similarities and differences between vegetation and seed bank. Plant Ecology 166 275-293

Smolders A, Vergeer, L, van der Velde G, Roelofs, J (2000) Phenolic contents of submerged, emergent and floating leaves of aquatic and semi-aquatic macrophyte species: why do they differ? Oikos 91(2) 307-310

Wetlands of Northern Tuscany, available at www.zoneumidetoscane.it/files/caglioing.html

Zipcode Zoo, available at http://zipcodezoo.com/Plants/G/Galium_palustre/ (verified 23 October 2008)

Global present distribution data references

Australian National Herbarium (ANH) (2008) Australia’s Virtual Herbarium, Australian National Herbarium, Centre for Plant Diversity and Research, Available at
http://www.anbg.gov.au/avh/ (verified 05 December 2008)

Flynn S, Turner RM, and Stuppy WH. (2006) Seed Information Database. http://www.kew.org/data/sid (verified 05 December 2008.)

Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) (2008) Global biodiversity information facility, Available at http://www.gbif.org/ (verified 05 December 2008).

Integrated Taxonomic Information System. (2008) Available at http://www.itis.gov/ (verified 05 December 2008).

International Plant Names (2005) International Plant Names Index Plant Name Search. Available at http://www.ipni.org/ipni/plantnamesearchpage.do (verified 05 December 2008).

Missouri Botanical Gardens (MBG) (2008) w³TROPICOS, Missouri Botanical Gardens Database, Available at http://www.tropicos.org/Name/27904532, verified 01 November 2008).

United States Department of Agriculture, Galium palustre (2008), available at http://plants.usda.gov/java/nameSearch?keywordquery=galium+palustre&mode=sciname (verified 05 December 2008)

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