Field Madder
Sherardia arvensis
Also listed as Galium sherardia, Asperula sherardia
Also known as Blue Field-madder, Herb-sherard
Climate Match for your location
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Field madder is a low-growing annual groundcover with small pink or purple flowers and fine, whorled foliage. It thrives in dry, sunny conditions and is often found in meadows and disturbed areas.
Why grow it
Field madder occupies a niche as a low-maintenance annual groundcover suited to poor, well-drained soils where many ornamentals struggle. Unlike cultivated madders (Rubia species), which are larger perennials requiring richer conditions, this species thrives in marginal ground and competes well in sparse meadow settings. Its fine texture and modest flower display make it useful for naturalizing in dry areas rather than as a primary ornamental feature.
Watch out for
In favorable conditions with adequate moisture, field madder can self-seed prolifically and may persist longer than intended in cultivated beds. It prefers genuinely poor to moderately fertile soil; in rich garden soil it tends toward rank growth and reduced character. The plant's small stature means it can be easily outcompeted or lost among more vigorous neighbors.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rubiaceae
Native Range
Europe and Mediterranean
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Field madder is a low-growing annual groundcover with small pink or purple flowers and fine, whorled foliage. It thrives in dry, sunny conditions and is often found in meadows and disturbed areas.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Field Madder grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Field madder occupies a niche as a low-maintenance annual groundcover suited to poor, well-drained soils where many ornamentals struggle. Unlike cultivated madders (Rubia species), which are larger perennials requiring richer conditions, this species thrives in marginal ground and competes well in sparse meadow settings. Its fine texture and modest flower display make it useful for naturalizing in dry areas rather than as a primary ornamental feature.
Watch out for
In favorable conditions with adequate moisture, field madder can self-seed prolifically and may persist longer than intended in cultivated beds. It prefers genuinely poor to moderately fertile soil; in rich garden soil it tends toward rank growth and reduced character. The plant's small stature means it can be easily outcompeted or lost among more vigorous neighbors.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rubiaceae
Native Range
Europe and Mediterranean
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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