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Native Plant Society of Texas

Collin County Chapter

Stuck on “Velcro Plant”

Rachel Cywinski posted an interesting article on the “Velcro Plant”. Galium aparine has many other colorful common names, including Sticky Willies, Catchweed Bedstraw, and Cleavers. It is one of our earliest seedlings, usually germinating in December or January. After winter storms, the Velcro Plant is one of the only bits of green showing as the snow began to melt. Other interesting tidbits that Rachel reveals about its versatility:

  • After cooking, it tastes like green peas
  • Many people brew as a medicinal tea
  • Pioneers used as a mattress stuffing
  • In a pinch, it can be a backpacker’s colander

Be sure to read the complete article.

 

About the Region

2026 Fall Symposium Logo

This low-elevations region of Texas extends inland from the barrier islands, about 60 or so miles, and stretches from Brownsville to Louisiana. In total, it covers about 9.5 million acres, with a high point of 150 feet in elevation. More than 1000 species of plants can be found in this region. On the southern end, species more common in Mexico (such as Sabal mexicana) and Central America occur.

The barrier islands provide us with dune systems, and clay flats to the inland side, which have species found in these areas alone. Many plants here, such as Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning glory), can be found throughout tropical regions of the globe. I’ve encountered the same species on the beaches of Guam.

Once inland, vast marshes and wet prairies occur. Occasionally, oak (Quercus fusiformis) groves can be found. Common grasses include species of Bothriochloa, Paspalum, and Sporobolus; eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides); and switchgrass (Panicum species). Many rivers and creeks cut through the Gulf Prairies, and along these riparian areas various species of trees, Sabal minor, and other plants adapted to clay soils can be found. Due to overgrazing, farming, and fire suppression, woody species such as mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and huisache (Acacia farnesiana), and invasive species such as chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), and Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) have increased and displaced our native flora.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason