Goosegrass - Galium aparine
Family - Rubiaceae
Also known as - Cleavers or Sticky Willie

Native annual very common in the UK. and Europe, growing in hedges, woods, tickets, scrub, forest margins and wasteland. A straggling, climbing plant with square section stems to 120cm (4ft) long and rear facing prickles to ensure its growth through vegetation. The leaves are borne in whorls of six to eight along the stem with small white flowers appearing May to October. The stem, leaves and fruits all have small hooked bristles which catch on animals and clothing helping to spread the plant. Flowers from May to August.

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