Galium catalinense subsp. acrispum
San clemente island bedstraw, San Clemente Island Bedstraw
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Family: Rubiaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Galium catalinense subsp. acrispum (San clemente island bedstraw) is a native California subshrub in the Rubiaceae family, recognized by San Clemente Island location and sparse, curved but non-curly hairs.
San clemente island bedstraw is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native shrub found in southern Channel Islands on San Clemente Island in rocky slopes and cliffs at elevations of 3 to 453 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces small white or pale flowers in delicate clusters across its scabrous branches. Growing with sparse, short to curved hairs, the shrub develops a distinctive rough-textured appearance with multiple branching stems. Its leaves are generally arranged in whorls, characterized by a sparse but textured surface that contributes to its rugged island adaptation. This endemic species represents a unique botanical component of San Clemente Island's distinctive and limited plant community.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 15 sympatric species; key features are San Clemente Island location and sparse, curved but non-curly hairs
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky slopes, cliffs
Elevation: 3-453 m
California counties: Los Angeles
Bloom period
Galium catalinense subsp. acrispum 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 catalinense subsp. acrispum native to California?
Yes. Galium catalinense subsp. acrispum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Galium catalinense subsp. acrispum bloom?
Galium catalinense subsp. acrispum blooms Apr-Jul.
Where in California does Galium catalinense subsp. acrispum grow?
Galium catalinense subsp. acrispum occurs in Los Angeles, at elevations of 3-453 m.
What plant family does Galium catalinense subsp. acrispum belong to?
Galium catalinense subsp. acrispum is in the Rubiaceae family, genus Galium.
Is Galium catalinense subsp. acrispum rare or endangered?
Galium catalinense subsp. acrispum carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, state rank S3.
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 2026-10-08
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.