Catchweed earns the special prize for being the most annoying weed in my garden. The sticky leaves leave welts on my arms and legs, the stems break off if I try to pull them, and the seedpods get all over my clothes, even if I don't realize I've been anywhere near this weed!
G. aparine has the ability to function as either a summer or winter annual in the maritime garden. If left unchecked, it can literally bury low-growing plants. Since the stems are brittle, hand pulling is not always effective. Hoeing or digging are better methods for control.
The sticky hairs of this pest can leave weals on your skin if you're not careful. Later on, the burrish seedpods hook onto socks, clothing, and animal fur. Plus the rank growth can literally bury other plants!
Genus: Galium
Species: aparine
Family: Rubiaceae
Common Name: Cleavers, Catchweed, Bedstraw
Origin: Europe
All contents © Travis Saling
This page was last updated
November 18, 2013