Cleavers Herb (Galium aparine) — Bulk Dried Herb
Cleavers Herb (Galium aparine)
Cleavers is one of the most charming and botanically distinctive plants of the European hedgerow — a scrambling annual whose tiny hooked bristles allow it to cling tenaciously to clothing, animal fur, and neighboring plants as it climbs toward the light. Known by dozens of folk names — Goosegrass, Sticky Willy, Sticky Jack, Catchweed — Cleavers is a plant that virtually everyone has encountered, whether they knew its name or not. It is also one of the most beloved spring botanicals in the Western herbal tradition, valued for its affinity with the lymphatic system and its gentle, cooling character.
Our Cleavers is certified organic, cut and sifted from the aerial parts harvested in early spring at peak freshness.
Botanical Profile
- Botanical Name: Galium aparine
- Family: Rubiaceae (Coffee family)
- Common Names: Cleavers, Goosegrass, Sticky Willy, Sticky Jack, Catchweed, Bedstraw
- Plant Part Used: Aerial parts (stems, leaves, and flowers)
- Preparation: Cut & Sifted
- Cultivation: Certified Organic
- Origin: Europe (naturalized worldwide)
- Appearance: Dried green herb with fine, bristly stems and whorled leaves
- Aroma: Mildly grassy, faintly sweet, slightly earthy
- Flavor Profile: Mild, slightly bitter, pleasant
About the Plant
Native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, Galium aparine has naturalized across North America, Australia, and much of the temperate world. It is a scrambling annual that grows to 1.5 meters in length, producing whorls of 6–8 narrow leaves and tiny white four-petaled flowers. The entire plant is covered in small, backward-pointing hooked bristles that allow it to cling to surfaces — a strategy for both climbing support and seed dispersal, as the round, bristly fruits attach readily to passing animals and clothing. The plant is a member of the coffee family and its roasted seeds have historically been used as a coffee substitute. Cleavers is traditionally considered a spring tonic botanical, best used fresh or as a cold-pressed juice in early spring when the plant is at its most vibrant.
Traditional Context
Cleavers has been used in European botanical traditions since antiquity, appearing in the writings of Dioscorides and in numerous medieval European herbals. It was used by Native American peoples in North America following naturalization and appears in the writings of major Western herbalists including Nicholas Culpeper and Matthew Wood. It is particularly associated with spring cleansing traditions in European folk herbalism and remains a beloved botanical in contemporary Western practice, especially in the British herbal tradition.
Suggested Preparations
- Cold Infusions: Steep in cold water overnight for a gentle, cooling preparation that preserves delicate constituents
- Fresh Juice: Traditionally pressed fresh in spring for maximum potency
- Infusions: Steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried herb in warm (not boiling) water for 10–15 minutes
- Herbal Blends: Pairs with Dandelion Leaf, Nettle, and Red Clover in spring tonic formulas
Quality & Sourcing
- ✓ Certified Organic
- ✓ Identity Verified
- ✓ Ethically Sourced
- ✓ Small Batch
- ✓ No Additives or Fillers
Storage
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place. Properly stored, dried Cleavers maintains its quality for 1 year. Fresh plant preparations are preferred when available.
A Note on Use
This product is sold as a botanical ingredient for educational and traditional use. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a health condition.
Every purchase supports Twin Dragons Botanical Institute’s mission of botanical conservation, responsible sourcing, and the preservation of plant knowledge for future generations.