Cleavers (Goosegrass)

Galium aparine

Sticky scrambling annual that catches on clothing — and on itself — via tiny hooked hairs. Traditional spring lymphatic tonic; young shoots edible.

Hardiness ratings

Cleavers (Goosegrass) hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 2–9 −45.6 °C to −1.1 °C Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating
RHS hardiness rating H7 down to −20 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 2–9 −40 °C and warmer Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 1–5 −15 °C to 10 °C Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating

As a tender annual, Cleavers (Goosegrass) doesn't overwinter — the zone range shows where the growing season supports it. See the RHS rating for its actual cold tolerance.

Growing notes

  • One of the earliest spring growers in the UK — emergence is a reliable seasonal marker
  • Self-seeds prolifically; treat as a useful weed rather than trying to eradicate
  • Always consult a qualified medical or herbal practitioner before using any plant medicinally

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Cleavers (Goosegrass) against your zones

Reference

Cleavers (Goosegrass) on Wikipedia