How to use and plant a beneficial weed. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours.
Goosegrass is a weed with many names. Such as cleavers, grip grass, catchweed, stickweed, wait-a-minute, sticky jack, and quite a few more. Almost all of its names are related to the plant being able to hook into fur and clothing easily. But’s it’s not all bad. this “weed” has a surprisingly good side.
Used medicinally, goosegrass is an effective diuretic and effective for urinary issues. In the past, it was a traditional medicine for gallstones and issues with the kidneys and bladder (know more about treatments for kidney disease here). It’s high in vitamin C and is thought to be beneficial for inflammation as well as many other conditions.
Plus, it makes an effective trap crop for aphids.
Goosegrass is a weed and can grow in a wide range of environments, but grows best in USDA Growing Zones 3 to 9 in full sun and afternoon shade.
Caterpillars love goosegrass, and geese love it as well. Farmers used to let their geese out to munch on wild goosegrass.
When harvested, good grass can be used in any vegetable dish, soups or stews and even tea.
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