Galium aparine
cleavers
An annual producing weak, sprawling stems to 1m or more with whorls of small, narrow leaves. Tiny, white flowers are followed by small, spherical, green fruit sometimes flushed purple. Leaves, stems and seeds are covered in stiff, hooked hairs
Other common names
bird limebur weed
see morecatch weed
claver grass
cleaver grass
cleaverwort
cling rascal
clivers
cross clever
geckdor
goose bill
goose tongue
grip grass
gull grass
hair eve
harif
haritch
herif
love man
mutton chops
pig tail
scratch weed
spring cleavers
stick-a-back
sticky bobs
sticky willy
sweethearts
turkey grass
air flower
beggar's lice
goose grass
gosling weed
kiss-me-quick
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Rubiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Trailing
- Genus
Galium can be annuals or perennials, with weak, sometimes scrambling stems bearing whorls of narrow leaves and usually terminal panicles of small, white or yellow flowers
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows naturally in open and cultivated ground, hedgerows and scrub. Can become a nuisance by scrambling and sprawlng over other plants but is easily removed. Tolerate this native annual in less tidy areas as its sticky stems are fun for children and it is a valuable food plant for many moth and butterfly caterpillars. See cleavers for more information
Propagation
Propagate by seed which spreads readily
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.