Cleavers are an interesting plant. The leaves grow in whorls around the stem giving it a whimsical personality. It is covered with little bristles on its leaves, stalk and seeds. The stem is weak, so the bristles are good at clinging on to plants for support as it grows. It also means it will stick to pants, socks, shoes and surely the fur of animals, which enables it to spread its seeds around.
I found a small patch growing at the base of tree along the riverbank trail. I also discovered some growing out of an old bird nest. I wonder if the bird used some of the plant in its nest or if the plant clambered its way up there and deposited some seeds.
