Names and Myths

Galium France or Gaul, gala milk, most of the members of this genus are able to curdle milk.⁵⁷

aparine to seize

Cleavers from the plants ability to adhere or cleave, due to the downward pointing hairs on the stem. ⁴⁵

Natural history / Folklore

Stiff hairs in the stems and leaves allow the plant to adhere to clothing. The young shoots and fruit are edible.³⁴ The root can be used for a red dye,⁵⁷ and the herbalists used it for obstruction of the bowels.⁴¹ Since its seeds are the same size as canola seeds it is a problem for canola growers since its seeds are difficult from the crop of canola seeds. ⁴⁵

Description

Weak stemmed vine that creeps over other plants. Flower petals are arranged like a Maltese cross.⁴¹ Leaves in whorls of 6-8 with a square stem.⁴⁵