Galium ambiguum subsp. ambiguum
(c) Dominic Gentilcore, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Dominic Gentilcore · licence
Family: Rubiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Galium ambiguum subsp. ambiguum is a native California herb in the Rubiaceae family, recognized by Thin, flat-margined, finely hairy leaves; fruit glabrous to velvety; interior s KR-NCoRH-n SNF.
Pale bedstraw is a California native perennial found in southern Klamath Ranges, northern Coast Ranges, and northern Sierra Nevada Foothill counties in light shade of conifer and oak forests on serpentine or clay soils at elevations of 350 to 2,150 meters. Flowering from June to July, this plant produces small white flowers in delicate clusters with fine, hairy stems. Growing with slender, spreading stems 10 to 30 centimeters tall, it forms loose, open clusters with a soft, airy texture. Its leaves are thin and slightly hairy, with nearly flat margins arranged in whorls around the stem, typically 10 to 20 millimeters long. The fruit is generally smooth to softly velvety, blending subtly with the plant's delicate structure.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Thin, flat-margined, finely hairy leaves; fruit glabrous to velvety; interior s KR-NCoRH-n SNF
Habitat and range
Habitat: Light shade of conifers, oaks, in serpentine or clay loam
Elevation: 350-2150 m
California counties: Trinity, Tehama, Del Norte, Lake, Humboldt, Mendocino, Shasta, El Dorado
Bloom period
Galium ambiguum subsp. ambiguum blooms Jun-Jul.
How to tell it apart
vs Eriogonum: Galium has whorled leaves and tiny flowers; Eriogonum has alternate/basal leaves and dense flower clusters with papery bracts.; vs Sherardia: Galium flowers have stalks and no sepals; Sherardia flowers lack stalks and have six prominent sepals.; vs Baccharis: Galium has whorled leaves and tiny four-petaled flowers; Baccharis has alternate leaves and composite flower heads.; vs Lupinus: Galium has whorled narrow leaves and tiny rotate flowers; Lupinus has palmate compound leaves and pea-like flowers.; vs Euphorbia: Galium has whorled leaves and four-petaled flowers; Euphorbia has alternate leaves and milky sap with specialized flower cups.
Frequently asked questions
Is Galium ambiguum subsp. ambiguum native to California?
Yes. Galium ambiguum subsp. ambiguum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Galium ambiguum subsp. ambiguum bloom?
Galium ambiguum subsp. ambiguum blooms Jun-Jul.
Where in California does Galium ambiguum subsp. ambiguum grow?
Galium ambiguum subsp. ambiguum occurs in Trinity, Tehama, Del Norte, Lake, Humboldt, Mendocino, Shasta, El Dorado, at elevations of 350-2150 m.
What plant family does Galium ambiguum subsp. ambiguum belong to?
Galium ambiguum subsp. ambiguum is in the Rubiaceae family, genus Galium.
What habitat does Galium ambiguum subsp. ambiguum grow in?
Galium ambiguum subsp. ambiguum grows in Light shade of conifers, oaks, in serpentine or clay loam.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.