Cleavers - Galium aparine (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images, Control)

Cleavers

Also known as: Clivers, Sticky Weed, Sticky Willow, Grip Grass, Robin-run-the-hedge, Gooseweed

Cleavers are widely-distributed weeds found around the world. They grow many nearly invisible hook-shaped spines on their stems. These make the plant feel sticky to the skin, and can cause contact dermatitis in some individuals. Cleavers come from the same family as coffee and can be used to create a less caffeinated version of coffee.

Scientific classification

Species

Cleavers (Galium aparine)

Gentians, dogbanes, madders, and allies

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Weeds

Weed or not

Summer

Bloom Time

Spring, Summer, Fall

Harvest Time

20 cm to 2 m

Plant Height

1 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

1.5 mm to 2 mm

Flower Size

Brown

Fruit Color

White

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Cleavers

Attributes of Cleavers

Growth Rate

Cleavers's rapid growth rate is evident during Spring when it swiftly spreads on garden beds or uncultivated grounds, producing multiple four-angled stems with small, linear leaves. This swift expansion enhances cleavers's thigmotropic habit, aiding it to latch onto nearby structures or plants for support, thereby becoming a pervasive component in spring flora.

Distribution of Cleavers

Distribution Map

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

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Hedgerows

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Symbolism

Binding, matters of commitment, irritation

Interesting Facts

Cleavers is covered with small hooks that can adhere to clothing. This plant can cause some irritation in the form of a rash to sensitive individuals. In ancient times, shepherds in Greece would use cleavers to create sieves for straining milk. The foliage, when dried, was also used to stuff mattresses because the hairs would stick together and create a nice matt.

Name Story

Cleavers: Cleavers got its name from the Old English word meaning "to cleave", which is also referred to as "to latch onto". The plant produces leaves of eight in spiral or whorls arrangements with tiny white flowers.

Catchweed bedstraw: The plant has hook-like hairs on its stems, leaves, and fruits which can easily stick to people or animals. Try not to talk about how annoying it is to be in the situation. In the Middle Ages, its leaves served as a good bed filler. So, it was also called catchweed bedstraw.

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Toxicity

Cleavers can cause dermatitis with symptoms like rash, itching, and blisters upon contact. Effects last days or weeks. Avoid unfamiliar plants.

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Weed Control

A common weed found in every continent, cleavers thrives in temperate zones. It is considered problematic in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. Primarily it affects cereal crops, but it also is found in woodlands, meadows, pastures, and disturbed areas. Cleavers is highly competitive for nutrients, particularly nitrogen, which it can absorb faster than many other plants. It also produces copious amounts of seeds, directly competing with other sown crops. The plant is highly resistant to the use of herbicides, so alternative control methods are straw burning, flooding fields, straw mulch, or deep cultivation.

How to Control It

For cleavers or Cleavers as they are commonly known, the best season for removal is late winter or early spring. It is important that removal takes place before the plant flowers and produces seeds. Here are a few organic methods to control or remove this persistent weed:

Hand Pulling: This is the simplest method and requires no specific tools. Simply grasp the plant at the base and pull firmly to remove the entire plant, roots included. Make sure to dispose of the weed away from your garden to prevent new growth.
Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, on the soil surface around your plants. This will not only enrich your soil as it decomposes but also inhibit the growth of cleavers. The mulch layer should be at least 2 to 3 inches for best results.
Solarization: This method uses the sun's heat to kill cleavers. First, water the infested area thoroughly, then cover it with clear plastic sheeting. Seal the edges and leave it in place for at least 4 to 6 weeks during the hottest part of summer. The heat trapped under the plastic will kill the weed seeds and seedlings.
Vinegar Solution: Prepare a solution of 15-20% vinegar and water. Spray this solution directly on the cleavers ensuring all leaves and stems are coated well, preferably on a warm, sunny day. The vinegar's acid will burn and kill the weed. But remember, vinegar can harm desirable plants too, so use it carefully.
Biological Control: You can use certain animals like geese or chickens who feast on weeds like cleavers. Consider letting them roam your garden under supervision to nibble away these annoying plants.

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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.

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Care Guide for Cleavers

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Cleavers thrives in moderate moisture, preferring evenly moist soil and benefiting from weekly watering. This hardy species, typically grown outdoors, conserves water during dormancy and maximizes uptake in the growing season, aligning with many deciduous plants in its water management strategy.

Propagation: Cleavers thrives when propagated by sowing in spring. Successful germination is marked by emerging seedlings. Maintain moist soil and a temperature of 16-21°C (60-70°F) for optimal growth.

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Images of Cleavers

Attributes of Cleavers

Distribution of Cleavers

Culture

Toxicity

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Cleavers

Care Guide for Cleavers

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