Family, Madder. The galiums all have rather slender, square stems, often roughened along the angles, so that they cling to other plants, and sprawl rather than climb. Their flowers and leaves are in whorls or clusters. In this species the calyx is tubular; corolla, 4-parted; stamens, 4; styles, 2; fruit, double, beset with hooked hairs for its dissemination. Leaves, 1 to 2 inches long, roughened along the edges, 4, 5, or 6 in a whorl. June and July.

This plant has a pleasant fragrance when dried. Common in rich woods along the coast and in the interior.