Cleavers, Galium Aparine

Day 222: The common name of Cleavers is very apt for this plant. The leaves and seed pods are both covered in fine hooked hairs which for all intents and purposes could be referred to as Nature's Velcro. When they attach themselves to socks and shoelaces, they are very difficult to remove. This habit contributes to the spread of the species. Also known as Sweet Gale, Goose Grass or Bedstraw, the young shoots are edible. The sap is said to be effective in removing pitch from hands and clothing, the trade-off being that you'll spend the next two hours picking Cleavers out of your socks if you've waded into a patch of it for harvesting. Thanks, I'll stick to Crisco.