In turf, bedstraw generally thrives in taller areas such as golf course roughs, where mowing may be infrequent. It is a pest as a weed and once encountered it is seldom forgotten. Bedstraw is an annual with long, narrow, rough leaves. Four to eight leaves are arranged in an cicle at intervals around the stems. Stems are square, with a row of bristles pointing downward on each corner. These bristles snag clothing and the fur of animals. Flowers may be white, yellow, or purple. They are borne on long stems from leaf clusters. Beneath each tiny flower is a bur-like seed pod that is divided into two parts.