Galium angustifolium subsp. nudicaule
Photo: parent species Galium angustifolium · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Rubiaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Galium angustifolium subsp. nudicaule is a native California subshrub in the Rubiaceae family, recognized by Low, rhizomatous, NOT woody, mat-forming; corolla usually red; high SnGb/SnBr slopes 1650-2650 m.
Galium angustifolium subsp. nudicaule is a California native perennial found in the southern Gabilan and southern Bernardino Mountains on steep slopes in open mixed forest and chaparral at elevations of 1,650 to 2,650 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces red or occasionally yellow flowers in small, open clusters. Growing as a low, mat-forming herb with stems 6 to 20 centimeters tall, it spreads through underground rhizomes and forms delicate ground-covering patches. Its leaves are generally 2 to 15 millimeters long, typically glabrous or with sparse hairs along the margins and veins. The plant creates intricate, slightly ridged stems with grooves that are approximately equal in width to the raised areas.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Low, rhizomatous, NOT woody, mat-forming; corolla usually red; high SnGb/SnBr slopes 1650-2650 m
Habitat and range
Habitat: Steep slopes, open mixed forest and chaparral
Elevation: 1650-2650 m
California counties: San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Diego
Bloom period
Galium angustifolium subsp. nudicaule blooms Jun-Aug.
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. nudicaule native to California?
Yes. Galium angustifolium subsp. nudicaule is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Galium angustifolium subsp. nudicaule bloom?
Galium angustifolium subsp. nudicaule blooms Jun-Aug.
Where in California does Galium angustifolium subsp. nudicaule grow?
Galium angustifolium subsp. nudicaule occurs in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Diego, at elevations of 1650-2650 m.
What plant family does Galium angustifolium subsp. nudicaule belong to?
Galium angustifolium subsp. nudicaule is in the Rubiaceae family, genus Galium.
What habitat does Galium angustifolium subsp. nudicaule grow in?
Galium angustifolium subsp. nudicaule grows in Steep slopes, open mixed forest and chaparral.
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.