Cleavers

A common annual weed of disturbed soils and shrub borders, but not of turf surfaces. It might encroach onto newly seeded and then neglected turf surfaces but would be easily removed by surface raking. It is also called Common Cleavers, as well as Goose-Grass. It scrambles over soil and vegetation with its 'sticky' backward pointing prickles, having leaves arranged in a whorl around the stem. It prefers drier soils but will also grow in damp soils, whilst it will also grow over a wide soil pH range. It doesn't have a particular preference for shade or light, growing in most conditions. It flowers from May to August, being small and a greenish white colour. Its scientific name is Galium aparine.