Cleavers
Galium aparine

This shot was taken on a public footpath within Havant Hampshire. Cleavers has several common names including, Goosegrass and Stickywilly but to name a few. The long stems of this climbing plant sprawl over the ground and other plants and have been known to reach heights of 2 metres. It is abundant i hedges and other low shrubby vegatation. The leaves are simple and six to eight whorls have fine hairs tipped with tiny hooks which makes them cling to clothes and fur. The white to greenish flowers have four petals each measuring only 2-3 mm across and it can be found flowering in early spring and through much of summer. When dried and roasted, the fruits of this plant can be used to make a coffee-like drink.