Family: Rubiaceae
annual bedstraw, cleavers, goose-grass, sticky-willy
[Galium aparine var. echinospermum L.]
Dennis W. Woodland
University of Wisconsin - Madison (WIS-VP)
Etymology: Galium: from Greek word gala, "milk," and alluding to the fact that certain species were used to curdle milk
Plants: scrambling annual, 4"-40" tall forb, usually only a few branches; stems weak, 4 -angled, with fine, clinging hooks; from a short taproot
Leaves: whorls of usually 6, narrow, hairy leaflets
Flowers: white to greenish, tiny, 4-parted; inflorescence a stalked, usually 3-5 flowered cluster from the leaf axils; blooms May-June
Fruits: ball-like, bristly
Habitat: mostly shade; moist rich woods
Conservation Status: Native
Plants: scrambling annual, 4"-40" tall forb, usually only a few branches; stems weak, 4 -angled, with fine, clinging hooks; from a short taproot
Leaves: whorls of usually 6, narrow, hairy leaflets
Flowers: white to greenish, tiny, 4-parted; inflorescence a stalked, usually 3-5 flowered cluster from the leaf axils; blooms May-June
Fruits: ball-like, bristly
Habitat: mostly shade; moist rich woods
Conservation Status: Native
Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 2, Wetland Indicator = FACU Invasive And Exotic Species of North America: Descriptions, management issues, warnings, photos, etc. USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key Purple Sage - Ethnobotanical Information: Detailed usage, preparation, and other helpful information Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"
Merel R. Black
Merel R. Black
Merel R. Black
Merel R. Black
Kurt Stüber
Derek Anderson
Botanical Illustration
Paul Drobot
Botanical Illustration
