Galium andrewsii
Phlox-leaved bedstraw, Phlox-Leaved Bedstraw
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Rubiaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Galium andrewsii (Phlox-leaved bedstraw) is a native California subshrub in the Rubiaceae family.
Phlox-leaved bedstraw is a California native perennial found in alpine and subalpine habitats at elevations typically between 1,500 to 3,000 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces small, nearly yellow flowers in delicate rotate clusters. Growing as a low, cushion-like herb with stems 5 to 22 centimeters tall, it forms dense, compact mats of bright green to silvery foliage. Its leaves grow in tight whorls of four, each 4 to 11 millimeters long, with sharp, bristle-like tips that are distinctly prickly to the touch. The fruit develops as a small, glossy black berry that adds visual interest to the plant's compact structure.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated with 0 sympatric species
Habitat and range
California counties: Los Angeles, San Diego, Lake, Tuolumne, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Kern, Ventura, Sonoma, Riverside, Contra Costa, San Bernardino, Napa, Monterey, Fresno, Stanislaus, Colusa, Glenn, Tehama, Del Norte, San Benito, Santa Clara, Yolo
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 andrewsii native to California?
Yes. Galium andrewsii is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Galium andrewsii grow?
Galium andrewsii occurs in Los Angeles, San Diego, Lake, Tuolumne, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Kern, Ventura and other counties.
What plant family does Galium andrewsii belong to?
Galium andrewsii is in the Rubiaceae family, genus Galium.
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.