Galium angustifolium subsp. onycense
Onyx peak bedstraw, Onyx Peak Bedstraw
Photo: parent species Galium angustifolium · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Rubiaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Galium angustifolium subsp. onycense (Onyx peak bedstraw) is a native California subshrub in the Rubiaceae family, recognized by geographic isolation at Onyx Peak plus distinctive grayish scabrous appearance and pink flowers.
Onyx peak bedstraw is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native perennial found in southern Sierra Nevada Mountains in the Onyx Peak area of eastern Kern County, inhabiting granite outcrops and open oak/pine woodland at elevations of 950 to 2,300 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces pale pink flowers with delicate external hairiness in relatively narrow, few-flowered clusters. Growing with slender stems 12 to 30 centimeters tall, it has a woody base and gray-green coloration with stem ridges notably wider than its grooves. Its leaves are generally 5 to 14 millimeters long, contributing to the plant's delicate, sparse appearance. The plant's chromosomal structure is diploid with 22 chromosomes, reflecting its genetic stability in its specialized mountain habitat.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 25 sympatric species; geographic isolation at Onyx Peak plus distinctive grayish scabrous appearance and pink flowers
Habitat and range
Habitat: Granite outcrops, open oak/pine woodland
Elevation: 950-2300 m
Bloom period
Galium angustifolium subsp. onycense blooms Apr-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. onycense native to California?
Yes. Galium angustifolium subsp. onycense is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Galium angustifolium subsp. onycense bloom?
Galium angustifolium subsp. onycense blooms Apr-Jul.
What plant family does Galium angustifolium subsp. onycense belong to?
Galium angustifolium subsp. onycense is in the Rubiaceae family, genus Galium.
Is Galium angustifolium subsp. onycense rare or endangered?
Galium angustifolium subsp. onycense carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, state rank S3.
What habitat does Galium angustifolium subsp. onycense grow in?
Galium angustifolium subsp. onycense grows in Granite outcrops, open oak/pine woodland.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.