If you look closely, you’ll see that these seeds often have:
Tiny hooks or barbs (like Velcro!)
Fine hairs that cling to fabric or fur
Sticky or resinous coatings that help them hold on
These clever adaptations help the seeds hitch a ride far from their parent plant. Once they fall off somewhere new, they have a fresh place to grow
Common Hitchhiker Plants
Depending on where you live, these are some of the most common seed hitchhikers:
Beggar’s Lice (Tick Trefoil) – Small, flat, and velcro-like seeds that stick to everything.
Burdock – Large, round burrs with stiff hooks (these inspired the invention of Velcro!).
Goosegrass / Cleavers (“Sticky Willy”) – Soft, fuzzy, and sticky green seeds that cling easily.
Sandbur or Needle Grass – Sharp, pointy burrs that can even poke through socks.
If you were walking through tall grass or brush, it’s almost guaranteed you brushed against one of these sneaky plants.
How to Get Them Off
Getting burrs and seeds off your clothes can be tricky, but here are some quick tips:
Use a lint roller or duct tape to lift them off gently.
A fine-tooth comb or tweezers helps with stubborn ones.
Brush them outside — don’t pick them off indoors, or you might spread them to your carpet.
Wash your clothes afterward, as some seeds can stay attached through multiple wears.
And if you had your dog with you… check their fur too!
