False Cleavers (Galium spurium)

Family: Rubiaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked. A famine food, used as a last resort. — Leaves - raw or cooked.; A famine food, used as a last resort.

Habitat & North American Range

Plants are doubtfully native in Britain but are well established in arable fields in Essex and in a few other scattered localities. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)