Download Catchweed bedstraw Galium aparine L.

Catchweed bedstraw
Galium aparine L.
Family: Rubiaceae (Madder family)
Life cycle: winter annual
Habitat: No-till fields, landscapes
General description: Mat forming or ascending stems; stems are square with backward turning bristles that allow the
plant to cling to other plants and objects. Leaves are narrow, sessile, oval to lanceolate, in whorls of 4 to 8 at each node,
with spiny hairs on lower midrib. Flowers are small with 4 white petals. Fruit has two round halves covered with
hooked hairs.
Key ID traits: Square stem with bristles, whorled leaves.
Similar species: Carpetweed has a similar growth habit and whorled leaves, but carpetweed has a round, smooth stem.
Miscellaneous: The name bedstraw comes from the use of the plant as mattress filling because the bristles on the stem
minimized matting. In Europe, bedstraw is known as cleavers.
Catchweed bedstraw flower
Carpetweed flowers
Agronomy 217
Weed Identification