Sticky Willy

Sticky Willy Overview

Galium aparine is an annual plant in the Rubiaceae family. It has linear leaves with pointed tips arranged in widely spaced whorls of 6-8 leaves on square stems with a rough texture. The rough texture comes from backwards-pointing hooked bristly hairs on the foliage, which allow the plant to securely scramble over structures and other plants. Flowers are small, 4-petalled and coloured white-green, these appear in branching clusters from where the leaves join the stems, termed leaf axils. Flowers lead onto nutlets with hooked bristles, these are rounded and coloured green-purple. This plant is a common weed in the UK, where it is found in hedgerows, scrubland and gardens. It spreads easily through the use of its textured foliage, clinging to human clothing and animal fur.

How to propagate Sticky Willy

Division

Propagate by division or fresh, ripe seed in early spring or autumn.

Seed

Special features of Sticky Willy

Attractive flowers

Other uses of Sticky Willy

Found in woodland or waste land. It is edible and can be juiced as a spring tonic, or lightly steamed.