Yellow cleavers, scientifically known as Galium trifidum, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Rubiaceae family. Also referred to as trifid bedstraw or fragrant bedstraw, it is predominantly found across Europe, Asia, and North America. The plant derives its common name from the yellow color of its small, clustered flowers.
Yellow cleavers typically grow in moist, shaded areas such as woods, hedges, and heaths. It features slender, square stems that can reach a height of around 1 meter (3 feet). The leaves are lance-shaped, deeply cleft, and arranged in whorls of 6-8 around the stem. These leaves are covered in small hooked hairs that enable them to attach to passing animals, aiding in seed dispersal.
The flowers of yellow cleavers are small and yellow, being arranged in dense clusters or cymes. Each flower contains four petals and is highly fragrant, emitting a sweet scent. The plant blooms during the summer months, attracting various pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
In traditional herbal medicine, yellow cleavers has been used for its diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been employed to support kidney function, treat urinary disorders, and alleviate skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Due to its tenacious, clingy nature, yellow cleavers has also earned a reputation as a weed among gardeners and farmers. It can interfere with the growth of other plants by competing for nutrients and space.
Overall, yellow cleavers is a flowering herbaceous plant that stands out for its yellow flowers, hooked hairs, and medicinal uses.
