Does Galium aparine Contain Caffeine? Understanding the Weed's Seeds

December 25, 2025 •

4 min read

Cleavers, or Galium aparine, is a tenacious weed known for its velcro-like clinging ability. A lesser-known fact is that this plant is in the same family as coffee, the Rubiaceae family. This botanical relation often leads to the question, "Does Galium aparine contain caffeine?".

Quick Summary

Cleavers (Galium aparine) seeds contain a trace amount of caffeine, enabling them to be roasted and brewed into a mild coffee substitute. The plant's relation to coffee and its chemical constituents explain this surprising property, though the caffeine content is significantly lower than a traditional cup of joe.

Key Points

Caffeine Source: Galium aparine seeds contain a trace amount of caffeine due to its membership in the Rubiaceae family, which also includes coffee.
Coffee Substitute: Historically and by some foragers today, the seeds of cleavers are roasted and ground to make a mild, earthy, and lightly caffeinated coffee substitute.
Low Potency: The caffeine content in cleavers is significantly lower than that found in traditional coffee, providing only a very mild stimulating effect.
Chemical Profile: Beyond caffeine, the plant contains other beneficial compounds such as flavonoids, coumarins, and iridoid glycosides, which contribute to its traditional medicinal uses.
Caution Advised: While generally safe, some individuals may experience skin irritation, and the diuretic effect requires caution, especially for those with certain health conditions or on medication.
Traditional Uses: The plant has been used for centuries as a diuretic to support lymphatic and urinary health and for external applications on skin irritations.

Yes, Galium aparine Contains Trace Amounts of Caffeine

The short answer is yes, Galium aparine, more commonly known as cleavers or sticky willy, does contain caffeine, though in a very low concentration. The caffeine is primarily found within the plant's tiny, hooked seeds, which are often roasted and ground to create a mild, earthy coffee alternative. The reason for this shared stimulating compound is their common lineage; both cleavers and coffee belong to the Rubiaceae plant family. While the effect is not as potent as a standard cup of coffee, the botanical connection is a fascinating aspect of this common weed.

The Botanical Link: Cleavers and the Coffee Family

Cleavers and coffee are members of the same family, Rubiaceae, a group of flowering plants with more than 13,000 species. This large family is known for its diversity and includes other well-known plants beyond the common coffee bean. The shared family classification provides insight into why cleavers possess similar chemical compounds, including alkaloids like caffeine. The presence of caffeine in cleavers seeds is a natural byproduct of its genetic makeup, passed down from a common ancestor.

How Galium aparine's Caffeine Compares to Coffee

While the genetic link is undeniable, the practical application of cleavers for a caffeine boost is quite different from using coffee. Foragers report that brewing a coffee-like drink from roasted cleavers seeds provides only a "mild caffeine hit". It's a subtle lift rather than the significant jolt associated with traditional coffee. The process of collecting and preparing the seeds is also a labor-intensive task, as the seeds are small and numerous.

The Process of Making Cleavers Coffee

Foraging: The tiny, bristle-covered seeds of the cleavers plant are collected after they mature. This can be a time-consuming process due to their small size.
Roasting: The harvested seeds are gently roasted in a pan until they emit a coffee-like aroma.
Grinding: The roasted seeds are then ground into a coarse powder, similar to coffee grounds.
Brewing: The grounds are steeped in hot water, much like a traditional French press or pour-over method, to create the beverage.

Cleavers Coffee vs. Traditional Coffee


Feature	Cleavers Coffee	Traditional Coffee
Source	Seeds of the common Galium aparine weed.	Roasted beans of the Coffea plant.
Caffeine Potency	Low and provides a mild, gentle effect.	High and provides a strong, stimulating boost.
Flavor Profile	Mild, earthy, and sometimes described as a cross between coffee and tea.	Rich, robust, and complex with a wide variety of notes depending on the bean.
Preparation	Labor-intensive foraging, roasting, and grinding process.	Widely available pre-ground or as whole beans, requiring a much simpler process.
Availability	Requires foraging in the wild or specific suppliers.	Available in grocery stores and cafes worldwide.

Other Chemical Components of Galium aparine

Beyond caffeine, phytochemical screenings of Galium aparine have identified a range of other chemical constituents. These include flavonoids, coumarins, and iridoid glycosides, which contribute to the plant's traditional medicinal properties. Flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol are known for their antioxidant effects. Other compounds like caffeic acid have also been identified. The combination of these chemicals, not just the trace amounts of caffeine, is responsible for the overall effect of consuming cleavers tea or extracts.

Safety and Considerations

While considered generally safe for consumption, there are important safety considerations to keep in mind when using Galium aparine. It has not been subjected to the same level of safety testing as regulated food products. Some people may experience skin irritation upon contact with the plant's hooked hairs. Additionally, due to its diuretic properties, it should be used with caution by individuals taking diuretic medications. Always consult a healthcare professional before using any new herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or have pre-existing medical conditions.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Weed

Galium aparine is more than just a sticky nuisance in gardens and hedgerows. Its biological connection to the coffee family and the presence of caffeine in its seeds offer a unique look into the world of botanical relationships. While it won't replace a morning espresso, the knowledge that this common weed contains a hint of the world's most popular stimulant is an intriguing piece of natural trivia. The long history of using its roasted seeds as a mild coffee substitute showcases the resourcefulness of people throughout history, who utilized the natural resources around them for both sustenance and enjoyment.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can experience a very mild stimulating effect, but the caffeine level in cleavers coffee is far too low to produce a significant buzz like traditional coffee.

Cleavers (Galium aparine) and coffee (Coffea spp.) are both in the same botanical family, Rubiaceae. This shared ancestry is the reason cleavers naturally produce a small amount of caffeine.

The caffeine in Galium aparine is concentrated in its seeds. The seeds are the part that foragers typically collect, roast, and grind to create a coffee substitute.

Cleavers coffee has an earthy flavor that is sometimes described as a cross between coffee and tea. Its taste is much milder and less robust than that of traditional coffee.

While generally considered safe for consumption as a food or herbal remedy, it is important to be aware of potential skin irritation from contact with the plant's hairs. As with any herbal supplement, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended before use.

Beyond a coffee substitute, cleavers have been used traditionally for their diuretic properties to support the lymphatic and urinary systems, and for topical applications on skin ailments like wounds, burns, and irritations.

The caffeine is primarily in the seeds, not the leaves and stems. The leaves and stems are often used for herbal teas or salads for their other medicinal properties, but they will not provide the same caffeinated effect.