Galium andrewsii subsp. intermedium
Photo: parent species Galium andrewsii · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Rubiaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Galium andrewsii subsp. intermedium is a native California subshrub in the Rubiaceae family.
Andrew's bedstraw is a California native perennial found in northern Coast Ranges, central Sierra Nevada foothills, southern Coast Ranges, western Transverse Ranges, and San Gabriel Mountains in high chaparral and open oak/pine woodland at elevations of 300 to 1,615 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces small white flowers in delicate clusters. Growing with low, dense stems 6 to 20 centimeters tall that are generally obscure and nearly glabrous, it forms compact ground-hugging mats. Its leaves are linear or lance-linear, generally ascending, shorter than the stem internodes and growing close to the stems in an almost flat or slightly keeled arrangement. The plant's compact, unassuming growth habit allows it to thrive in varied soil conditions, including serpentine environments.
Habitat and range
Habitat: High chaparral, open oak/pine woodland, in various soils, including serpentine
Elevation: 300-1615 m
Bloom period
Galium andrewsii subsp. intermedium blooms Apr-Jun.
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 subsp. intermedium native to California?
Yes. Galium andrewsii subsp. intermedium is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Galium andrewsii subsp. intermedium bloom?
Galium andrewsii subsp. intermedium blooms Apr-Jun.
What plant family does Galium andrewsii subsp. intermedium belong to?
Galium andrewsii subsp. intermedium is in the Rubiaceae family, genus Galium.
What habitat does Galium andrewsii subsp. intermedium grow in?
Galium andrewsii subsp. intermedium grows in High chaparral, open oak/pine woodland, in various soils, including serpentine.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Galium angustifolium — Narrowly leaved bedstraw
- Galium angustifolium subsp. angustifolium
- Galium angustifolium subsp. borregoense — Borrego bedstraw
- Galium angustifolium subsp. foliosum
- Galium angustifolium subsp. gabrielense — San antonio canyon bedstraw
- Galium angustifolium subsp. gracillimum — Slender bedstraw
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.