Galium aparine 'Cleavers'

Rubiaceae: an annual weed, with weak, sprawling stems, up to 1m (39in). Found in hedgerows, scrub and arable land. Tiny greenish-white flowers are borne in branching clusters from May - August and develop into round, green or purple fruits 3-5mm in diameter. Stems, leaves and seed have stiff hooked hairs. Whorls of 6-8 long, slender green leaves with a prominent central vein. Native to Europe, including Britain, from Scandinavia south and east to Spain, Northern and Western Asia.

USES:

The tender young shoot tips can be eaten raw or cooked as a pot-herb. A rather bitter flavour that some people find unpalatable, they are best used in the spring. A decoction of the whole dried plant gives a drink equal to tea. The roasted seed is a coffee substitute.

Cleavers has a long history of domestic medicinal use and is also used widely by modern herbalists. A valuable diuretic, it is often taken to treat skin problems such as seborrhoea, eczema and psoriasis, and as a general detoxifying agent in serious illnesses such as cancer. The whole plant, excluding the root, has alterative, antiphlogistic, aperient, astringent, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, tonic and vulnerary properties. It is harvested in May and June as it comes into flower and can be used fresh or dried for later use

GROWING INFORMATION:

Best sown in situ as soon as the seed is ripe in late summer to early autumn. The seed can also be sown in spring though it may be very slow to germinate. Prefers a loose moist leafy soil in some shade. Plants tolerate dry soils, but they quickly become scorched when growing in full sun. They do not thrive in a hot climate. Can become a pain in the garden if it is left to seed its self about.

A good species to grow in the wild garden, it provides food for the larvae of many butterfly species.

HARVESTED: 

APPROX. 50+ SEEDS