Cleavers (Goosegrass)
Climbing & scrambling weed
Cleavers, also called goosegrass, Galium aparine, is a fast-growing annual that uses hooked hairs to scramble over almost anything nearby. It is familiar for sticking to sleeves, pets and other plants. While shallow-rooted and straightforward to remove, it can quickly blanket seedlings and borders if its clingy stems are allowed to mature and seed.
How to identify it
Cleavers makes weak, angular stems that sprawl or climb from 30 to 150 cm. Narrow, pointed leaves grow in whorls, usually six to eight leaves around each joint, giving the stems a starry outline. Tiny hooked hairs cover stems and leaf edges, so the plant feels rough and clings to clothing and surrounding foliage. Small greenish-white flowers are followed by paired, round, burr-like seeds. It has a shallow, fibrous root system and pulls easily when young.
Where it grows
It germinates chiefly from late winter through spring in fertile, damp soil, then races through borders, vegetable beds, hedges and compost-rich corners. It is widespread throughout the UK and is especially conspicuous where plants stand close together. It can also scramble from rough margins or neglected ground into cultivated beds before its seeds are noticed.
Why it is a problem
Its sprawling stems shade and tangle young vegetables, bedding plants and perennials, making them harder to weed, water and support. The hooked seeds hitch rides on clothing, animals and tools, helping it spread around a garden. A single overlooked patch can release many seeds, creating a fresh crop of seedlings in the following season.
How to control it
Pull or hoe cleavers while seedlings are small, preferably in dry weather so detached plants wilt quickly. Lift larger clumps by the base, teasing stems out of surrounding plants before they seed. Do not leave plants carrying developing burr-like seeds on paths or compost heaps where seeds could be moved around. Apply an organic mulch over bare soil after clearing, and keep beds planted or covered where possible. Check every few days in spring, because early removal is much easier than disentangling mature, scrambling stems.
Commonly confused with
It may be mistaken for other bedstraws, such as hedge bedstraw, which have similar whorled leaves but are less sticky. Young cleavers can also resemble a loose tangle of narrow-leaved seedlings. The rough hooked hairs and paired burr-like seeds make mature plants distinctive.
Cleavers (Goosegrass): frequently asked questions
How do I identify cleavers (goosegrass)?
Cleavers makes weak, angular stems that sprawl or climb from 30 to 150 cm.
How do I get rid of cleavers (goosegrass)?
Pull or hoe cleavers while seedlings are small, preferably in dry weather so detached plants wilt quickly.
Where does cleavers (goosegrass) grow?
It germinates chiefly from late winter through spring in fertile, damp soil, then races through borders, vegetable beds, hedges and compost-rich corners.
General guidance for UK gardens and allotments, focused on prevention and non-chemical control. For a confirmed identification, the RHS or a local garden centre can help. Page updated 18 Sep 2026.