Three-horned Bedstraw - Department of Agriculture and Food

Three-horned bedstraw leaves are in whorls at the nodes on
the square stems; the white flowers are in groups of three,
on curved stalks that also arise from the nodes; leaves,
stems and flower stalks are covered with hairs and tiny
hooked prickles. (Photo courtesy of Michael Moerkerk, DPI
Victoria)
0419031_Bedstraw_leaf.jpg
The seeds are formed in pairs and each seed is
about the size of a canola seed. They are hairless,
but covered with minute warty bumps.
Three-horned bedstraw closely resembles
cleavers. Cleavers has straight rather than curved
seed stalks and has hooked hairs on the seed
rather than tiny, dimply warts.
Why Three-horned bedstraw might
succeed in Western Australia
Three-horned bedstraw is an annual plant
germinating in late autumn to early spring. It is
spread by seed. It can be dispersed by wind,
water, on the plant, or by people or animals.
However, in Western Australia, the majority of
the spread appears to be by movement in grain
or by agricultural machinery and particularly by
harvesters.
20112884-09/11-ID10573
Copyright © Western Australian Agriculture Authority, 2011
Copies of this document are available in alternative formats upon request.
3 Baron-Hay Court South Perth WA 6151
Tel: (08) 9368 3333 Email: enquiries@agric.wa.gov.au Website: www.agric.wa.gov.au
0419032_Bedstraw_seed.jpg
Its seeds normally survive in the soil for three to five
years, but can survive longer in non-wetting soils.
Three-horned bedstraw prefers heavier alkaline
soils, but may grow under less favorable
conditions and on other soil types.
_Bedstraw_seed.jpg 0419033_Bedstraw_seed.jpg
edstraw_seed.jpg 0419033_Bedstraw_seed.jpg
Three-horned bedstraw seeds (natural size in this illustration)
are about the same size as canola seeds, making it difficult
to separate them from canola during seed cleaning. (Photo
courtesy of 3233008_Bedstraw.jpg
Michael Moerkerk, DPI Victoria)
The seeds of Three-horned bedstraw develop as pairs of
nutlets that are covered with warty bumps. (Photograph:
Courtesy of Michael Moerkerk, DPI Victoria)
What you can do about it
We need to find and eradicate any plants of
Three-horned bedstraw that exist in Western
Australia. Search suspect paddocks and carry out
prescribed control measures.
Where to find out more
For further information on Three-horned bedstraw,
contact the Department of Agriculture and Food,
Baron-Hay Court, South Perth 6151. Telephone
1800 084 881 or the nearest country office of the
Department of Agriculture and Food.
Three-horned bedstraw flowers.
3233009_Bedstraw.jpg
ISSN 0726-934X