(23 votes, average: 3.04 out of 5)
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Cleavers
Edible 
Autumn 
Spring 
Summer 
Winter
Useful as a food in the past and just as good today as it can be found year round.
| Hedgerow Type | |
| Common Names | Cleavers, Goosegrass, Sticky Willies |
| Scientific Name | Galium aparine |
| Season Start | Jan |
| Season End | Dec |
Leaves
Small, thin, hairy, green leaves growing in small rosettes along the vertical stem.
Flowers
Tiny, white, four petaled flowers.
Seeds
Small round hook laden seeds that will stick to you or your dog if brushed past.
Stem
Has a square stem covered in many tiny hooks.
Habitat
Hedges, path and roadsides, waste ground and woodland.
Possible Confusion
Quite difficult to confuse with anything else.
Taste
Edible when very young or cooked, if a little fibrous and bitter. Should be eaten before the seeds appear in summer but can be found all year round.
Collecting
Just the fresh looking tops should be picked or wait until the seeds have fully hardened, roast and use as a coffee substitute.
Other Facts
Annoying other kids in the playground.
It has also been used to strain hairs from milk.
6 comments for Cleavers
Cleavers can be used as a spring tonic, making a refreshing drink. Infuse in a jug of water overnight or minimum for one hour. Lemon balm also lends itself very well to this cold infusion method, the aroma of balm being so lovely.
I come out on big red wheals on skin contact with goosegrass. Would it be likely to affect me badly if I made up and drank the tonic, please, or is it just the contact aspect?. Many thanks.
I react to contact with Cleavers but am fine eating it. Everybody is different so try a small amount first and wait to see if there is a reaction.
whats the smell of this leaf as I believe I have the same picked myself with a strong grassy smell
Cleavers have a grassy, slightly pea like smell and will stick to your clothes due to the ‘hooks’ on the leaves.
Cleavers is a mild diuretic, and it’s a wonderful spring tonic for the lymphatic system if you soak it overnight and drink the water in the morning.