https://gardenology.mywikis.net/w/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Cleavers 2026-04-12T11:25:05Z Revision history for this page on the wiki MediaWiki 1.35.3 https://gardenology.mywikis.net/w/index.php?title=Cleavers&diff=9546&oldid=prev 2007-10-02T05:20:51Z

<p></p> <p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{Taxobox<br /> | color = lightgreen<br /> | name = ''Galium aparine''<br /> | image = Galium aparine01.jpg<br /> | image_width = 250px<br /> | image_caption = ''Galium aparine'' in flower<br /> | regnum = [[Plant]]ae<br /> | divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]<br /> | classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]<br /> | ordo = [[Gentianales]]<br /> | familia = [[Rubiaceae]]<br /> | genus = ''[[Galium]]''<br /> | species = '''''G. aparine'''''<br /> | binomial = ''Galium aparine''<br /> | binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]<br /> }}<br /> <br /> '''''Galium aparine''''' is a herbaceous [[annual plant]] of the family [[Rubiaceae]]. It is native to [[North America]] and [[Eurasia]]. It has several common names, including '''Cleavers''', '''Clivers''', '''Goosegrass''', '''Stickywilly''', '''Stickyweed''', '''Catchweed''', and '''Coachweed'''.<br /> <br /> The long stems of this climbing plant sprawl over the ground and other plants, reaching heights of 1-1.5 m, occasionally 2 m. The [[Leaf|leaves]] are simple and borne in whorls of six to eight. Both leaves and stem have fine hairs tipped with tiny hooks, making them cling to clothes and fur much like [[velcro]]. The white to greenish [[flower]]s are 2-3 mm across, with four petals. <br /> <br /> It flowers in early spring to summer, with the flowers occurring in most of the leaf nodes. The [[fruit]]s are clustered 1-3 [[seed]]s together; each seed is 4-6 mm diameter, and is also covered with hooked hairs (a [[burr (fruit)|burr]]) which cling to animal fur, aiding in seed dispersal.<br /> <br /> It is a common weed in [[hedge (gardening)|hedges]] and other low [[shrub]]by vegetation, and is also a common [[weed]] in [[arable]] fields, as well as [[gardens]]. As they grow quite rampantly and thickly, they end up shading out any small plants that they overrun.<br /> <br /> The seeds are similar size to [[cereal]] grains, and so are a common contaminant in cereals since they are difficult to [[Threshing|filter out]]. The presence of some seed in cereals is not considered a serious problem as they are not toxic.<br /> <br /> When dried and roasted, the fruits of this plant can be used to make a coffee-like drink. The plant can also be made into a tea.<br /> <br /> ==Herbalism==<br /> The plant was traditionally used to treat [[skin disease]]s. It is a [[diuretic]] and [[vulnerary]]. Herbalists use it to lower [[blood pressure]] and [[body temperature]], as well as for [[cystitis]].&lt;ref&gt;Howard, Michael. ''Traditional Folk Remedies'' (Century, 1987) pp. 145-6&lt;/ref&gt;<br /> <br /> The whole plant is considered rich in [[vitamin C]]. Its roots produce a red dye, and the tea has been used as an [[anti-perspirant]] (by the Chinese), and as a relief for head colds (home remedy), restlessness, and sunburns.<br /> As a pulp, it has been used to relieve poisonous bites. &lt;ref&gt;Jones, Pamela. ''Just Weeds: History, Myths, and Uses.'' Prentice Hall Press, New York. 1991.&lt;/ref&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Notes==<br /> {{Reflist}}<br /> <br /> ==External links==<br /> * [http://www.sbs.utexas.edu/mbierner/bio406d/images/pics/rub/galium_aparine.htm Image Archive of Central Texas Plants]<br /> * [http://www.missouriplants.com/Whiteopp/Galium_aparine_page.html Missouriplants.com] - a site with additional information and excellent pictures.<br /> <br /> <br /> [[Category:Rubiaceae]]<br /> [[Category:Medicinal plants]]</div>

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