Galium ambiguum subsp. siskiyouense
Photo: parent species Galium ambiguum · (c) Dominic Gentilcore, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Dominic Gentilcore · licence
Family: Rubiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Galium ambiguum subsp. siskiyouense is a native California herb in the Rubiaceae family, recognized by Thick convex-margined leaves, +- glabrous; densely hairy fruit; Del Norte/outer N Coast Range.
Siskiyou bedstraw is a California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges of Del Norte County and northern coastal California, growing on dry, sunny banks and hillsides in open forest at elevations of 160 to 1,750 meters. Flowering from June to July, this plant produces small white or pale flowers in delicate clusters. Growing with coarse-hairy stems 15 to 45 centimeters tall, it forms loose, spreading clusters with thick, somewhat rigid leaves. Its leaves are generally thick with slightly convex margins, occasionally with bristly edges or irregular fine hairs. The fruit is densely covered in soft, clinging hairs, giving the plant a distinctive textured appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Thick convex-margined leaves, +- glabrous; densely hairy fruit; Del Norte/outer N Coast Range
Habitat and range
Habitat: Dry, sunny banks and hillsides, open forest, in serpentine or clay loam
Elevation: 160-1750 m
California counties: Del Norte, Siskiyou, Humboldt, Mendocino, Trinity
Outside California: southern Oregon
Bloom period
Galium ambiguum subsp. siskiyouense 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. siskiyouense native to California?
Yes. Galium ambiguum subsp. siskiyouense is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Galium ambiguum subsp. siskiyouense bloom?
Galium ambiguum subsp. siskiyouense blooms Jun-Jul.
Where in California does Galium ambiguum subsp. siskiyouense grow?
Galium ambiguum subsp. siskiyouense occurs in Del Norte, Siskiyou, Humboldt, Mendocino, Trinity, at elevations of 160-1750 m.
What plant family does Galium ambiguum subsp. siskiyouense belong to?
Galium ambiguum subsp. siskiyouense is in the Rubiaceae family, genus Galium.
What habitat does Galium ambiguum subsp. siskiyouense grow in?
Galium ambiguum subsp. siskiyouense grows in Dry, sunny banks and hillsides, open forest, 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.