Galium argense
Argus bedstraw
Family: Rubiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Galium argense (Argus bedstraw) is a native California herb in the Rubiaceae family, recognized by geographic isolation in specific desert ranges plus large stiff habit and large fruits.
Argus bedstraw is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native perennial found in the Argus and Nelson ranges of the eastern Desert Mountains in Inyo County on loose, stony east-facing slopes at elevations of 1,250 to 2,400 meters. Flowering from April to October, this plant produces cream-colored flowers in small terminal clusters that extend beyond the leaves. Growing with erect, stiff stems 20 to 60 centimeters tall that are woody near the base, the plant forms an open, glabrous structure. Its leaves grow in whorls of 4, ranging 8 to 21 millimeters long, with lanceolate to ovate shapes and sharp, tapered tips. The fruit consists of nutlets approximately 6 millimeters long with long, straight, spreading hairs.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 18 sympatric species; geographic isolation in specific desert ranges plus large stiff habit and large fruits
Habitat and range
Habitat: Loose, stony e-facing slopes with
Elevation: 1250-2400 m
Bloom period
Galium argense blooms Apr-Oct.
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 argense native to California?
Yes. Galium argense is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Galium argense bloom?
Galium argense blooms Apr-Oct.
What plant family does Galium argense belong to?
Galium argense is in the Rubiaceae family, genus Galium.
Is Galium argense rare or endangered?
Galium argense carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, state rank S2.
What habitat does Galium argense grow in?
Galium argense grows in Loose, stony e-facing slopes with.
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.