Cleavers

Latin Name:

Galium aparine

Manx Name:

Garvane-guiy

Season:

May - September

Locations where this species is found:
Bradda Head Silverdale Glen Chibbanagh Port Soderick Silverburn River Niarbyl Glen Maye Scarlett Point Fleshwick Ballannette Glen Mooar Glen Helen Glen Auldyn Groudle Glen Langness Port St Mary Ballaugh Curraghs Colby Glen Clypse and Kerrowdhoo Maughold

Known by many names, including cleavers, goosegrass and sticky willy, this plant is very common and can be found all over the island. Its flowers are tiny and easily missed, but many pet owners will be familiar with its round seeds that stick easily in fur!

This plant is edible and is also used as a poultice in herbal medicine, though it can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

The Manx name for this plant is "Garvane-guiy", which means "goose grass".
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