Cleavers (Galium aparine)
Common Names of Cleavers:
Cleavers, Goosegrass, Sticky Willies
Description of Cleavers:
Cleavers, scientifically known as Galium aparine, is an annual plant characterized by square stems, covered with tiny hooked hairs. The stems, which can reach up to three feet, branch and grow along the ground or over other plants. The leaves are simple, narrowly oblanceolate to linear, whorled in six to eight. It produces tiny, star-shaped, white to greenish flowers and burr-like fruits with hooked hairs.
Habitat of Cleavers / Goosegrass:
Cleavers thrive in hedges, paths, roadsides, waste grounds, and woodlands. Native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia, it has become naturalized in various regions, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, Australia, and New Zealand.
Identification of Cleavers / Goosegrass:
The plant is easily identified by its square stem, whorled leaves, tiny white flowers, and burr-like fruits with hooked hairs.
Food Uses of Cleavers / Goosegrass:
Various parts of cleavers are edible, including stems, leaves, and seeds. Traditionally used as a potherb, it was valued in medieval kitchens for its ability to be picked in frost or snow. The hooked bristles soften when boiled, and the chopped leaves and stems can be incorporated into soups and stews. Tender shoots can be boiled and buttered as a vegetable. Cleavers seeds have been ground to make a coffee substitute with lower caffeine content. The plant is rich in vitamin C.
Medicinal Uses of Cleavers / Goosegrass:
Cleavers has been historically used as a slimming aid due to its diuretic properties. Widely recognized for its cleansing abilities, it is employed in treating kidney and urinary disorders, infections, itching, and skin conditions like eczema. The plant, excluding the root, is known for its alterative, antiphlogistic, aperient, astringent, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, tonic, and vulnerary properties. Cleavers is used internally and externally for wounds, ulcers, and skin problems. It is considered a valuable diuretic and detoxifying agent, with reported benefits in cases of glandular fever, ME, tonsillitis, hepatitis, and cystitis.
Safety Notes - Cleavers / Goosegrass:
Limited data on side effects are available, suggesting caution in use. Consultation with a health professional is advised, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Other Uses of Cleavers / Goosegrass:
In ancient times, lacemakers used the sticky seeds to enlarge pinheads, and the root produced a red dye. The dried, matted foliage was employed for mattress stuffing. Cleavers has been utilized to strain hairs from milk. Interestingly, the plant could turn birds' bones red if they consumed its root.
Important to Other Species - Cleavers / Goosegrass:
Geese enjoy eating G. aparine, contributing to one of its common names, "goosegrass." It also serves as a valuable plant for other herbalists, offering a range of medicinal benefits.
Other Information about Cleavers / Goosegrass:
Dioscorides named the plant "Galium" from the Greek word for 'milk,' as its flowers were used to curdle milk. "Aparine," derived from Greek, means 'clinging' or 'seizing.' The plant has been historically used for filtering liquids and removing pitch from hands.