Scientific Family
Rubiaceae
Synonyms
G. agreste, G. spurium, G. vaillantii
Other common names
goosegrass bedstraw
cleavers
reclining bedstraw
stickywilly
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Annual
Similar species
Galium boreale
Height
3 feet
Riparian
Yes
Weak stemmed, reclining and usually supported by other plants. Up to 6 feet long. Stems, leaves, and fruits cling to humans, aniamals and other plants. Common name originates from past use to stuff mattresses.
Annuals with hairy stems that are rough to the touch. Leaves 5 or more in whorls with pointed tips. Hairs of fruits curved or hooked. Galium boreale is a perennial from the roots and does not have hooked hairs. Flowers white, in leaf axils.
Habitat
Found in moist places, north slopes, intertwined with shrubs and in canyons. Adapted to fine and medium textured soils.
Plant Community
Riparian
Low elevation
2000
High elevation
8000
Flower Characteristics
Has 4 petals to 1/8 inch wide. Appears in clusters of 1 to 3 flowers on stems rising from the leaf axils.
Flower color
White to greenish
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
May
Last bloom month
September
Flower clusters
Other
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
To 3 inches in length and <1/16 inch in width. Narrows to a point at the apex. Has 5 to 8 leaves at each node. Has backward-hooked bristly hairs on stems and leaves.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Dark green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Two round nutlets <1/4 inch in diameter and covered with hooked bristles. One-seeded.
Fruit type
Nutlet
Fruit color
Brown