Fauna
Plant

Catchweed Bedstraw

Galium aparine

Also known as Cleavers, Sticky Willy, Goosegrass, Sticky Bob

Catchweed bedstraw scrambles aggressively over neighboring vegetation by anchoring itself with thousands of tiny, backward-curved hooked bristles that coat its square stems and leaves. In late spring, minute white to greenish flowers give way to spherical two-lobed burrs designed to hitch rides on animal fur and human clothing. This rapid-growing annual plays a dual ecological role, serving as a larval host for specialized moths while frustrating gardeners as a persistent, smothering weed.

AnnualClimbingWildflower
Catchweed Bedstraw reference1 / 7
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (photosynthesis)
Predators
  • Domestic Goose
  • Helix Pomatia
  • Bedstraw Hawk-moth
ThreatsAgricultural weed control and widespread broadleaf herbicides
HabitatsHedgerows, woodland edges, riverbanks, waste ground, and cultivated soils
Life spanAnnual (1 season)
Classification
  1. OrderGentianales
  2. FamilyRubiaceae
  3. GenusGalium
  4. SpeciesGalium aparine
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Hooked bristles can cause mild contact dermatitis on sensitive skin; wear gloves when clearing dense patches.
Why it is dangerous
Dense microscopic hooked trichomes scratch the epidermis and can trigger localized allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive skin.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for weak, sprawling square stems lined with whorls of six to eight lance-shaped leaves that instantly cling to fabric.
What to do
Wear garden gloves and long sleeves when clearing patches, and wash skin with mild soap if irritation occurs.
Responsible observation
  • Handling: Wear gardening gloves to prevent microscopic hooked bristles from abrading bare skin.
  • Seed Dispersal: Check socks and dog coats after walking near hedgerows to avoid spreading hooked burrs.
  • Observation: Press a single leaf against clothing to test its natural velcro-like grip.
Related species
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