How to identify Cleavers (Galium aparine)

How to identify Cleavers (Galium aparine)

Cleavers, also known as Clivers, Sticky Weed, Sticky Willow, Grip Grass, Robin-run-the-hedge, Gooseweed

Cleavers displays a distinctive habit with weak, slender stems that can grow up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) in length, often climbing or sprawling over other vegetation. The stems are square in cross-section and bear tiny, hooked bristles that facilitate adherence to adjacent surfaces. Leaves of cleavers are arranged in whorls of 6 to 8 around the stem and are narrow, lance-shaped, with a length of roughly 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.6 cm). Small, white to greenish flowers, about 1/8 inch (3 mm) in diameter, are produced in spring and summer, often grouped at the nodes. The fruit is a small, hairy burr that clings readily to fur and clothing.

Lifespan: Annual, Biennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Cleavers

Weak stems climb up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) with square cross-section and hooked bristles.

Leaves in whorls of 6-8, narrow, lance-shaped, 1-3 inches (2.5-7.6 cm) long, with recurved hairs.

Tiny, star-shaped flowers, 2-3 mm (0.08-0.12 inches) diameter, light green to white.

Fruit splits into 2 hook-covered halves, green to brown schizocarp, aiding seed dispersal.

Stems scratchy with recurved prickles, weak, four-sided, up to 3 feet (90 cm) long.

Detailed Traits of Cleavers

Leaf Features

The leaves of cleavers are narrow and linear, usually 1.5-2 inches (3.8-5 cm) long, with pointed tips. They are arranged in whorls of 6-8, typically 8, around the stem. The surface of the leaves is covered with recurved hairs, giving them a 'sticky' texture. These hairs aid in attaching to other plants and surfaces. The leaves are bright green, with a slight sheen, and have a central vein running the length of each leaf.

Leaf Arrangement

Whorled

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Flower Features

The flowers of cleavers are tiny, star-shaped, and measure 2-3 mm (0.08-0.12 inches) in diameter. They are light green to white and bloom in the axils of stems or terminally from spring to summer. Each cyme contains 2-5 flowers, each with 4 petals. These flowers are typically visited by beetles and flies but can also self-pollinate.

Inflorescence Type

Cymes

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Stem Features

The stem of cleavers is scratchy due to abundant recurved prickles. It is typically weak and possesses a distinctive four-sided, square cross-section. The stem's surface is green, rough to the touch, and can grow to lengths of up to 3 feet (90 cm). These stems exhibit a semi-climbing or sprawling growth habit, often intertwining with other plants for support. Branching is minimal, primarily occurring from the lower regions, aiding its signature sprawl.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of cleavers is a distinctive schizocarp, splitting into 2 oval to round halves. Each half is densely covered in hook-like bristles designed to catch onto fur and clothing for seed dispersal. Inside, there are approximately 300-400 seeds, each featuring minute tubercles on their surfaces. Initially, the fruit presents a vivid green hue, transitioning to a mature brown as the season progresses. The texture of the fruit is noteworthy for its sticky bristles, which facilitate the hitchhiking dispersal strategy of this species.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Cleavers and Their Similar Plants

Sweet woodruff vs. Cleavers: What's The Difference?

Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) is a perennial herb that grows from 15 to 30 cm tall. Popular for its fragrant leaves and lacy, star-shaped flowers that blossom in spring and summer. It prefers shady locations and makes an excellent ground cover under trees and other shaded conditions. Thrives in moist, well-drained soil.

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Key Facts About Cleavers

Attributes of Cleavers

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

20 cm to 2 m

Spread

1 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

1.5 mm to 2 mm

Flower Color

White

Fruit Color

Brown

Stem Color

Green

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Scientific Classification of Cleavers

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Gentians, dogbanes, madders, and allies

Family

Madder

Genus

Bedstraws

Species

Cleavers (Galium aparine)

Learn More About the Cleavers

Distribution Map of Cleavers

Cleavers are native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, where they occur in various habitats, but mostly woodlands and shrublands. The species has been widely introduced to all other continents. It tends to become weedy and invades wastelands. It is known as a problematic weed in Australia, as well as in several European countries and US states.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Cleavers

A Comprehensive Guide to Cleavers How to Grow and Care for Cleavers