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.

Where is Cleavers native?

Cleavers (Galium aparine) is native to VT, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

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.

Cleavers

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Galium aparine

Last reviewed: June 2026

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

Native to

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Sonoran Basin and Range

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.

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.
Where is Cleavers native?: Cleavers (Galium aparine) is native to VT, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
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.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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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