Galium angustifolium subsp. foliosum
Photo: parent species Galium angustifolium · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Rubiaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Galium angustifolium subsp. foliosum is a native California subshrub in the Rubiaceae family, recognized by geographic isolation on northern Channel Islands plus distinctive nodal structure.
Narrow-leaved bedstraw is a California native perennial found in northern Channel Islands in rocky slopes at elevations of 30 to 60 meters. Flowering from March to July, this plant produces white flowers in many-flowered, dense clusters. Growing with somewhat woody stems 30 to 60 centimeters tall that have distinct ridged surfaces and short, prominent nodes, it develops a structured branching pattern. Its leaves are generally 3 to 17 millimeters long, arranged in whorls and typically glabrous except for slightly hairy margins. The plant has a delicate, structured growth habit with stems that become particularly visible after leaf drop.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 15 sympatric species; geographic isolation on northern Channel Islands plus distinctive nodal structure
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky slopes
Elevation: 30-60 m
California counties: Ventura, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Riverside
Bloom period
Galium angustifolium subsp. foliosum blooms Mar-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 angustifolium subsp. foliosum native to California?
Yes. Galium angustifolium subsp. foliosum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Galium angustifolium subsp. foliosum bloom?
Galium angustifolium subsp. foliosum blooms Mar-Jul.
Where in California does Galium angustifolium subsp. foliosum grow?
Galium angustifolium subsp. foliosum occurs in Ventura, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Riverside, at elevations of 30-60 m.
What plant family does Galium angustifolium subsp. foliosum belong to?
Galium angustifolium subsp. foliosum is in the Rubiaceae family, genus Galium.
What habitat does Galium angustifolium subsp. foliosum grow in?
Galium angustifolium subsp. foliosum grows in Rocky slopes.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Galium angustifolium subsp. gabrielense — San antonio canyon bedstraw
- Galium angustifolium subsp. gracillimum — Slender bedstraw
- Galium angustifolium subsp. jacinticum — San jacinto mountains bedstraw
- Galium angustifolium subsp. nudicaule
- Galium angustifolium subsp. onycense — Onyx peak bedstraw
- Galium aparine — Goose grass
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.