The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: cleavers, catchweed bedstraw, stickywilly

Family: Rubiaceae (madder family)

Distribution: worldwide

Life form: Annual

Comments: The common name of this plant, cleavers, is very appropriate given its tendency to cleave to almost anything. The stems and leaves are covered in hooked bristles that, while not sharp, make the plant sticky. The fruits are globular burrs that also have hooked bristles so they can cling to animal fur, which facilitates seed dispersal. In addition to its stickiness, cleavers is distinctive for its whorled leaves all along the stem. The small, white flowers appear in the leaf axils come April, usually on stalks in clusters of two or three. The overall habit of the plant is quite floppy and it is often found in sprawling masses throughout woods or thickets. Its other common name, bedstraw, refers to the foliage of another species, Galium verum, that was used to stuff mattresses in medieval times because it smelled so sweet.