False Cleavers

Galium spurium

Physical Characteristics

Galium spurium is a ANNUAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). It is in flower in July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies, beetles. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to N. Africa and W. Asia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Leaves - raw or cooked[62]. A famine food, used as a last resort[177].

Medicinal Uses

Both Asperuloside (a terpenoid) and Coumarin (a benzopyrone) occur in some species of Galium. Asperuloside can be converted into prostaglandins (hormone-like compounds that stimulate the uterus and affect blood vessels), making the genus of great interest to the pharmaceutical industry[238].

Known Hazards

None known