Cleavers (Galium aparine)

Common Names of Cleavers (Galium aparine):

Cleavers, Goosegrass, Sticky Willies, Catchweed, Stickyweed

Description of Cleavers:

Cleavers, scientifically known as Galium aparine, is an annual plant characterized by square stems covered with tiny hooked hairs. These stems can reach up to three feet in length, branching and growing along the ground or over other plants. Leaves are narrowly oblanceolate to linear, whorled in groups of six to eight. The plant produces tiny, star-shaped white to greenish flowers and burr-like fruits with hooked hairs.

Habitat of Cleavers:

Cleavers thrive in hedges, paths, roadsides, waste grounds, and woodlands. They are native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia but have become naturalized in regions including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, Australia, and New Zealand.

Identification of Cleavers:

Cleavers can be easily identified by:

Stems: Square, ridged, and covered in tiny hooked hairs.
Leaves: Narrowly oblanceolate to linear, arranged in whorls of six to eight.
Flowers: Tiny, star-shaped, and white to greenish.
Fruits: Burr-like and covered with hooked hairs.

Possible Lookalikes of Cleavers:

Bedstraw (Galium species): Similar structure but may have different leaf arrangements or flower structures.
Hedge Bedstraw (Galium mollugo): Non-toxic lookalike with white flowers found in similar environments.

Meaning of the Latin Name Galium aparine:

Galium: Derived from the Greek word "gala," meaning milk, reflecting its traditional use in curdling milk.
Aparine: Stems from the Greek word meaning "to seize," describing the plant's clinging nature.

Foraging Season for Cleavers:

Leaves: Best collected from early spring to late summer (March to July).

Food Uses of Cleavers:

Leaves and Stems:
- Young shoots can be eaten raw in salads or cooked.
- Added to soups and stews after boiling to soften hooked bristles.
- Tender shoots boiled and buttered as a vegetable.
Seeds: Roasted and ground to make a coffee substitute with lower caffeine content.
Cleavers are rich in vitamin C and have been traditionally used as a potherb, valued in medieval kitchens for being forageable even in frost or snow.

Medicinal Uses of Cleavers:

Diuretic Properties: Historically used as a slimming aid due to diuretic effects.
Detoxifying Agent: Employed in treating kidney and urinary disorders, infections, and skin conditions like eczema.
Internal and External Use: Known for treating wounds, ulcers, skin problems, glandular fever, ME, tonsillitis, hepatitis, and cystitis.
Traditional Uses: Infusions for urinary infections and kidney stones.

Other Uses of Cleavers:

Textiles: The sticky seeds were used by lacemakers to enlarge pinheads.
Natural Dye: Roots produce a red dye.
Mattress Stuffing: Dried, matted foliage could be used for mattress stuffing.
Filtering and Cleaning: Plants used to strain hairs from milk and remove pitch from hands.
Curdling Milk: Historically, flowers were used to curdle milk, hence named "Galium."

Safety Notes for Cleavers:

Skin Irritation: Hooked hairs can cause minor irritation during harvesting.
Contamination: Avoid harvesting from polluted areas as the plants can absorb toxins.
Consultation: Limited data on side effects suggest consulting a health professional before use, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Harvesting Tips for Cleavers:

Collect young plants before they flower for the best texture and flavor.
Wear gloves or long sleeves to avoid skin irritation from the hooks.
Use scissors or a knife to cut the plants above the ground to ensure regrowth.

Preparation and Storage of Cleavers:

Fresh Use: Rinse thoroughly to remove dirt and small insects.
Drying: Dry leaves in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and store in airtight containers for later use in teas or tinctures.
Freezing: Blanch briefly in boiling water, then freeze for future use.

Additional Tips for Foragers for Cleavers:

Familiarize yourself with the plant's sticky texture for easier identification.
Harvest early in the morning for the best flavor and nutrient retention.
Combine with other wild greens for a varied and nutritious diet.
Practice ethical foraging by taking only what you need and leaving plenty for wildlife and plant regeneration.

Other Information for Cleavers:

Cleavers hold cultural significance, often tied to traditional uses in herbal medicine. Named by Dioscorides, "Galium" refers to the Greek word for 'milk,' alluding to its use in cheese-making, while "Aparine" means 'to seize' or 'cling'. This plant has historically been used to filter liquids and even had its roots capable of turning birds' bones red if consumed.