Cleavers (Galium aparine)
Description: Cleavers, also known as “sticky weed,” have long, straggly stems with tiny hooked hairs that cause them to cling to surfaces. Their leaves are slender, lance-shaped, and arranged in whorls of 6-8 per node.
What to Look For:
Long, straggly stems with tiny hooked hairs that make them cling to clothing (hence the nickname “sticky weed”).
Whorls of slender, lance-shaped leaves (6-8 per whorl).
Small white-green flowers in spring and summer
Lookalikes & Cautions:
Can be confused with Woodruff (Galium odoratum), which has a more structured, non-clinging growth habit.
Always ensure you pick a plant with the characteristic “sticky” texture.