Sticky weed

[Bekki]

Galium aparine, more commonly known as stickyweed or goosegrass, is an annoying fast growing weed that can be found in gardens and hedges. It is particularly good for guinea pigs as it is rich in vitamin C, which unlike most rodents they cannot produce themselves.

I found this on google but thought id check with the experts here ... my garden has turned into a sticky weed farm literally overnight its gone insane, obviously if its safe to eat ill let the picks outside if not ill have to remove the jungle!

 

[Shellza]

I read somewhere that it is and have fed it to mine. I hope it is ok for them now @)

 

[LordBernieBouffant]

Yes, I feed it regularly to mine - they love it - so do the rabbits. Dogs also eat it in big quantities when self medicating

 

[Salt n Peppers mum]

I have lots growing in my garden too, also known as 'Sticky Willy' :red and Cleavers

My Piggies get me to bring it to their dish several times a week along with the other weeds I have in my garden

 

[Toffeewoffee]

Is this the stuff with them annoying balls that stick to you or is it different? I will keep my eye out now! x

 

[Salt n Peppers mum]

Is this the stuff with them annoying balls that stick to you or is it different? I will keep my eye out now! x

Nope, its not the same as the annoying balls

 

[PopcornPigs]

It's the stuff you pick and stick on peoples backs when they're not looking!

I did it to my OH's mum once.. mwahaha.

 

[chelle83]

i didn't realise they could eat it, i thought it was poisonous

 

[Toffeewoffee]

I know what stuff it is now, the picture loaded this time and i recognise it, can't say i have seen any about though......

 

[Abi_nurse]

I didnt realise either, i have some in my garden, will have to pick some for the pigs.

x.

 

[Salt n Peppers mum]

Another favourite herb that is very fast growing in my garden is lemon Balm

Quote - A safe food for rabbits and guinea pigs. Lemon Balm has a calming action and is good for the digestive system

Brilliant stuff for fightened foster pigs that come in

If you rub the leaf and smell your fingers it smells of Lemon (of course) Lovely!

 

[Bekki]

Thanks all! I have an entire yard gull of it all this rain seems to have made it grow like mad! There has been no pesticides in the yard for a year so a wash and the pigs will nom it up! I have dandylioms too!

 

[Toffeewoffee]

I have also noticed a shortage of dandelions, is it just me? x

 

[Bekki]

Feel free to come take mine! My entire yard is just weeds sprouting out of every crack in the concrete!

 

[Toffeewoffee]

Well we went for a loooong walk after dinner and i found loads of sticky weed and a HUUUGE dandelion "plant" so piggies have had a feast tonight

 

[Bekki]

I harvested some weed this evening, soaked it in water in case there was any cat wee on it then threw it in teh cages ... 5 mental piggies! They love it! I think I shall harvest the stuff more often.

 

[MandFpiggies]

Another favourite herb that is very fast growing in my garden is lemon Balm

Quote - A safe food for rabbits and guinea pigs. Lemon Balm has a calming action and is good for the digestive system

Brilliant stuff for fightened foster pigs that come in

If you rub the leaf and smell your fingers it smells of Lemon (of course) Lovely!

I have lemon balm in the garden, but it's variegated, would that make any difference? I can take a pic if needs be.

 

[Floydie]

I have lemon balm in the garden, but it's variegated, would that make any difference? I can take a pic if needs be.

Just be carfull when picking! If your not sure ask! Some other wild plants look similar but may be poisonous like Penny Royal for example (I have growing in the garden).

I have lots of sticky weed growing up on the bank by the pond must be due to all the rain, think i'll put it to one side for the piggys if its safe.

 

[Puzzlepigs]

Thanks everyone! I never knew piggies could have sticky weed. My dogs often lunge to the pavement where the sticky weed is when I am lead walking them! I'll have to go and pick some for the pigs.

 

[Salt n Peppers mum]

I have lemon balm in the garden, but it's variegated, would that make any difference? I can take a pic if needs be.

Take a pic and post it up. Lemon balm does smell strongly of lemon when the leaves are rubbed.
As the plant matures little white flowers appear and I've read that once the flowers have opened the plant tastes very bitter so best to pick some before the flowers come.

 

[Dindypig]

Is this the stuff with them annoying balls that stick to you or is it different? I will keep my eye out now! x

Nope, its not the same as the annoying balls

Sorry to throw a spanner in the works, Cleavers does have sticky balls for seeds, they're like mini velcro balls, thats how they spread the seeds around. Here are some extra links to check it out. The more you see the more you will recognise it. My piggies go wild for it too.
http://www.herbs-and-homoeopathy.co.uk/cleavers-galium-aperine.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galium_aparine
http://www.aphotoflora.com/d_galium_aparine_cleavers.html
http://www.awalkaroundbritain.com/k...cent-findings/cleavers-goosegrass-stickyweed/

 

[LordBernieBouffant]

The leaves are sticky too - rather like velcro, they use it to climb - piggies don't mind at all though

 

[Yvette]

All my dogs know where it grows in our village and stop for a bite every day!