Goosegrass by Eden Jackson
©Anne Tanne
Cleavers
Scientific name: Galium aparine
Familiar as the bristly plant that easily hooks on to our clothing as we walk through the countryside or do the gardening, cleavers uses its hooks to help it climb and to disperse its seeds.
Species information
Category
Statistics
Height: up to 1.5mConservation status
Common.
When to see
January to DecemberAbout
Children delight in the sticky nature of cleavers, frequently attaching the angular stems to each other or even their pets. For this reason, it has many other common names, such as 'sticky bobs', 'stick-a-back' and 'kisses' (because lovers cling to each other, too). Cleavers is a climbing plant, using the hooks on its stems to aid its scrambling progress. The hooks on its fruits attach to animals (and us) to help disperse its seeds.How to identify
Covered in tiny hooks, the sticky nature of cleavers is enough to identify it easily. Otherwise, look for whorls of up to eight narrow leaves, sprawling stems, and tiny white flowers. The small, rounded fruits are also covered in hooks.Distribution
Widespread.Habitats
Did you know?
Cleavers is used as food for geese and chickens and is also known as 'goosegrass' and 'gosling weed'.
Bob Coyle
Our gardens are vital for wildlife
The UK's gardens provide more space for nature than all the National Nature Reserves put together.