CATCHWEED BEDSTRAW, Galium aparine L. 1, lower section of plant; 2, upper portion of stems; 3, flower; 4, seed pod; 5, seed. Annual. Roots branching, short, shallow. Stems 1 to 3 feet (0.3 to 0.9 m) long, weak, sprawling, 4-sided with each edge bearing a row of downward-pointing stiff bristles. Leaves narrow, rough, bristle-pointed, 6 to 8 borne in a circle at each joint of stem. Flowers very small, white, with 4 petals, borne on slender branches attached at the joints of the stems. Seed pod in 2 nearly spherical halves, covered with stiff bristles. Seed ball-shaped with deep pit in one side and short, sharp spines, 1/8 inch (3 mm) long, on outer surface. Found on moist land in meadows, pastures, woodlands, and fence rows.