The seeds are grey-brown, rough, and bristly. A single cleavers plant can produce 3,500 seeds. Because of their similar size and shape, they cannot be separated from canola seed. Cleavers seed becomes dormant in dry soil. The seed can remain viable for 1-3 years.
Seeds remain viable when eaten by animals.
It is easily spread by harvesting equipment and in contaminated manure. The bristly seeds cling to the hair and wool of animals and to clothing. Scouting Techniques Take a minimum of 20 weed counts across the field. Check low spots for patches. Scout fields early because the weed is most sensitive to herbicides in its early growth stages.