How much sun does False Cleavers need?

False Cleavers grows best in part sun conditions.

When does False Cleavers bloom?

False Cleavers blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is False Cleavers native?

False Cleavers (Galium spurium) is native to IL, MT, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does False Cleavers attract?

False Cleavers draws bees and beetles.

Is False Cleavers HOA-friendly?

False Cleavers takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

False Cleavers

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Galium spurium

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

False Cleavers (Galium spurium) 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.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

8"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

IL, MT

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Northwestern Forested Mountains Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains North American Deserts Mojave Basin and Range Southern Rockies High Plains Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

False cleavers is a low-growing annual wildflower that produces small white flowers from May through July. This spreading plant reaches up to 2 feet tall and prefers partial sun with moderate watering needs.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: backyard only.

Has weedy appearance and growth habit
Annual nature creates gaps and inconsistent coverage
Common name includes 'cleavers' which suggests undesirable plant

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract bees and beetles during the summer blooming period. As an annual, it provides seasonal nectar resources for pollinators.

Common questions

How much sun does False Cleavers need?: False Cleavers grows best in part sun conditions.
When does False Cleavers bloom?: False Cleavers blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is False Cleavers native?: False Cleavers (Galium spurium) is native to IL, MT, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does False Cleavers attract?: False Cleavers draws bees and beetles.
Is False Cleavers HOA-friendly?: False 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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