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Cleavers

Galium aparine

Last reviewed: September 2026

Cleavers (Galium aparine)
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Cleavers (Galium aparine) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Cleavers as toxic to livestock.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–72" H × 12"–48" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Native alternatives to Cleavers

Cleavers is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Wondering what could grow where Cleavers is now? Upload a photo of the spot and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it replanted with natives for your region.

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Cleavers is a fast-growing annual vine with small white flowers and distinctive sticky stems that cling to clothing and other plants. This sprawling native plant can quickly cover ground or climb through other vegetation, making it useful for naturalizing areas. It dies back completely each winter and reseeds readily in spring.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Cleavers takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Considered weedy by most homeowners
  • Sticky stems cling to clothing and pets
  • Can overtake other plants aggressively

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract native bees and beneficial beetles during the growing season. Birds often eat the seeds, and the dense growth provides cover for small wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Cleavers need?
Cleavers grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Cleavers bloom?
Cleavers blooms in June, July, August, September, and October.
Is Cleavers toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Cleavers as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Cleavers attract?
Cleavers draws bees and beetles.
Is Cleavers HOA-friendly?
Cleavers takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Cleavers? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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