Goosegrass (Galium aparine), also known as Cleavers, Sticky Willy, Sticky Weed…. there are quite a few names for this plant. If your not familiar with the names, maybe the use of it, as lots of people pick some of the plant and throw it at each other as it sticks to clothes due to the tiny hooked hairs on the leaves and stalks. Know it now?
Its one of those plants that you see a lot of along hedgerow, paths and woods, growing intertwining itself amongst other plants.
Its “sticky” properties help it climb through other plants and also help disperse its round seeds which are also covered in the tiny hooked hairs. Normally on the coats of mammals and feathers of birds, but also by humans seeing how much you can get onto someones back before they notice.
It is worth noting though that some people can be allergic to this plant and may come up in a rash, so I’m not suggesting that you pick and throw it at anyone.
Its distribution is throughout Europe and its a fairly common plant.
It does have uses in both medicine and foraging.
The plant can be boiled and used as a potato substitute or its seeds roasted and ground as a coffee without caffeine. A herbal infusion can be made from its leaves. Before you go out and try any of these, you must first learn how to prepare, use and make.
As with all foraging, forage responsibly and within the law. Also don’t over indulge on something if its your first time trying it!
Sparrowhawk Bushcraft 