A relative of the coffee plant, Galium aparine has many colorful names besides Cleaver's Herb, which include goosegrass, robin-run the hedge, stickywilly and catchweed. The last two names are significant when you consider that fresh cleaver's herb are fuzzy and have a tendency to stick to fabric. Although this natural herb is edible when boiled, this fuzz makes Galium aparine a poor choice to eat raw.

In traditional folk medicine, Cleaver's Herb was used for rashes and other dermal disorders and injuries. In addition, organic Galium aparine appears to act as a relaxant. When boiled, the root of the Galium aparine plant produces a harmless red dye that is used in the manufacture of clothing made from organic fabrics.