Season Window
15 Mar – 15 JunHedgerows, garden edges and nutrient-rich lanes
Spring to early summer
Cleavers
Galium aparine
A plant that quite literally stays with you, cleavers makes the hedge feel close and alive.
Harvest
How we meet this plant
Observe or gather tender tips only from abundant, unsprayed stands before the stems become coarse.
Preparation
At the kitchen table
Traditionally used fresh in simple infusions; strain carefully and confirm identification before any use.
Community Use
Why we teach it
Useful for teaching leaf whorls, seed dispersal and considerate spring gathering.
Safety
Avoid medicinal use during pregnancy or while taking medicines without advice from a qualified practitioner.