How To Identify Cleavers - Wild Edible Identification

Hey guys in this video we learn how to identify cleavers, or Galium aparine. Cleavers is a very common and noxious weed that is also a wild edible, but many may not know how to identify it. Cleavers are generally found in lawns, but can grow almost anywhere. It has 7-11 leaflets growing in a whorled pattern around the main stem of the plant. It is called cleavers because of the stiff bristles or hairs that run along the entire plant. These are well known for sticking to anything, and causing small cuts across the legs which look like cuts from small knives. Even the leaves have these bristles. The stem of cleavers is a square, similar to a mint, however this plant is not in the mint family to my knowledge. The very small flowers are white with four petals and grow out of the leaf nodes at the main stem of the plant.

There are two parts that are edible off the cleavers and that is the young early spring shoots, and the fruits. The fruits are very tiny and contain the seed to cleavers, but can be used to make a coffee substitute that is caffeine free. The young shoots are delicious and very mild boiled for a few minutes and get stringy with age. Learning how to identify cleavers is an easy process, and this plant exists almost anywhere.

I thank you guys for watching this video I hope you enjoyed it and I hope you learned something. If you want to learn more about edible or medicinal plants make sure to subscribe!

Foraging Essentials & Gear:
Knife
Mora Companion Carbon Steel: http://amzn.to/2c3AHgL
Mora Companion Stainless Steel: http://amzn.to/2cHKkjM

Multi-tool
Leatherman Rebar: http://amzn.to/2ce6ckV (the blast is no longer available)
Leatherman Wave: http://amzn.to/2c9SbnI (Closer to the one I have)

Field Guides
Peterson Guide to Medicinal Plants: http://amzn.to/2cenE6f
Peterson Guide to Edible Plants: http://amzn.to/2cHM3FJ

Backpack
Fieldline Canyon Backpack: http://amzn.to/2chSL4a (the camo design is different but it's the same bag I use)

Shoes/Boots
Globe Sabres: http://amzn.to/2bXYSfi
Merrel Ventilator Shoes: http://amzn.to/2cesWi6
Merrel Ventilator Boots: http://amzn.to/2c3CMJt

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