A herbaceous annual plant. The long stems of this climbing plant sprawl over the ground and other plants, reaching heights of 1-1.5 m, occasionally 2 m. The leaves are simple and borne in whorls of six to eight. Both leaves and stem have fine hairs tipped with tiny hooks, making them cling to clothes and fur much like velcro. The white to greenish flowers are 2-3 mm across, with four petals. The fruit is large and bristly, with hooked prickles.

Alterative, antiphlogistic, aperient, astringent, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, tonic and vulnerary (whole plant except root)

Medicinal Plants of Southwest
Galium aparine
Australian Naturopathic Network
Plants for a Future
Materia Medica

To treat skin diseases, to lower blood pressure and body temperature, as well as for cystitis, ulcers, tumours, tissue oedema (plant); to relieve poisonous bites (pulp)