Useful as a food in the past and just as good today as it can be found year round.
Home / Hedgerow Guide /
Cleavers
(36 votes, average: 3.14 out of 5)
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Cleavers
| Hedgerow Type | |
| Common Names | Goosegrass, Sticky Willies |
| Scientific Name | Galium aparine |
| Season Start | Jan |
| Season End | Dec |
Please note that each and every hedgerow item you come across may vary in appearance to these photos.
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.
