Galium angustifolium subsp. jacinticum
San jacinto mountains bedstraw, San Jacinto Mountains Bedstraw
Photo: parent species Galium angustifolium · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Rubiaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Galium angustifolium subsp. jacinticum (San jacinto mountains bedstraw) is a native California subshrub in the Rubiaceae family, recognized by geographic isolation in San Jacinto Mountains plus longer leaves than other subspecies.
San jacinto mountains bedstraw is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native perennial found in western San Jacinto Mountains in open, mixed forest at elevations of 1,350 to 2,100 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces small white flowers in narrow, few-flowered clusters. Growing with stems 17 to 35 centimeters tall, featuring ridges approximately as wide as the grooves between them, it has a low, generally glabrous or slightly hairy habit. Its leaves are generally 11 to 26 millimeters long, arranged in whorls typical of the Galium genus. The plant's delicate structure and narrow growth pattern make it a subtle but distinctive component of its montane forest ecosystem.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 17 sympatric species; geographic isolation in San Jacinto Mountains plus longer leaves than other subspecies
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open, mixed forest
Elevation: 1350-2100 m
California counties: Riverside, San Diego
Bloom period
Galium angustifolium subsp. jacinticum blooms May-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.3
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. jacinticum native to California?
Yes. Galium angustifolium subsp. jacinticum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Galium angustifolium subsp. jacinticum bloom?
Galium angustifolium subsp. jacinticum blooms May-Jul.
Where in California does Galium angustifolium subsp. jacinticum grow?
Galium angustifolium subsp. jacinticum occurs in Riverside, San Diego, at elevations of 1350-2100 m.
What plant family does Galium angustifolium subsp. jacinticum belong to?
Galium angustifolium subsp. jacinticum is in the Rubiaceae family, genus Galium.
Is Galium angustifolium subsp. jacinticum rare or endangered?
Galium angustifolium subsp. jacinticum carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, state rank S2?.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.