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Perennial of the Rubiaceae family, Cruciata laevipes is widespread in much of Europe and temperate Asia, from the British Isles to the Caucasus and Central Asia. In France, it is common in almost all regions, from the plains to the mountainous areas, generally between 0 and 1,600 meters.
It colonizes wild meadows, the base of hedges, edges, and woodland borders, on fresh, moderately rich soils, in partial shade or full diffuse light. It appreciates slightly moist grounds, often on limestone.
The plant forms soft and spreading clumps, reaching 20 to 50 cm in height, with quadrangular, softly hairy stems. The foliage, of a tender green, is arranged in whorls of four oval leaves, forming at regular intervals very characteristic small crosses — it is this arrangement that gives it its name of crosswort, from the Latin crux.
The flowers are tiny, pale yellow to yellow-green, grouped in small glomerules in the leaf axils. In its natural habitat, flowering extends from April to June.
The plant does not have any particular horticultural use, but its presence in a naturalized garden, a flowering edge, or at the foot of a country hedge gives it a discreet and very authentic rustic charm.