Galium catalinense subsp. catalinense
Santa catalina island bedstraw, Santa Catalina Island Bedstraw
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Family: Rubiaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Galium catalinense subsp. catalinense (Santa catalina island bedstraw) is a native California subshrub in the Rubiaceae family, recognized by Santa Catalina Island location and dense, short curly hairs giving smooth texture.
Santa catalina island bedstraw is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native shrub found in southern Channel Islands on Santa Catalina Island, growing on rocky slopes and cliffs at elevations of 5 to 305 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces white flowers in small clusters with dense, short, curly hairs covering its stems and foliage. Growing as a compact shrub 20 to 50 centimeters tall with multiple branching stems, it forms dense, intricate clusters in its rocky island habitat. Its leaves are arranged in tight whorls around the stems, with small, narrow leaflets densely packed and slightly curved. The plant's distinctive curly hairs and compact growth form make it well-adapted to the harsh, exposed environments of Santa Catalina Island.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 15 sympatric species; key features are Santa Catalina Island location and dense, short curly hairs giving smooth texture
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky slopes, cliffs
Elevation: 5-305 m
Bloom period
Galium catalinense subsp. catalinense 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. catalinense native to California?
Yes. Galium catalinense subsp. catalinense is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Galium catalinense subsp. catalinense bloom?
Galium catalinense subsp. catalinense blooms Apr-Jul.
What plant family does Galium catalinense subsp. catalinense belong to?
Galium catalinense subsp. catalinense is in the Rubiaceae family, genus Galium.
Is Galium catalinense subsp. catalinense rare or endangered?
Galium catalinense subsp. catalinense carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, state rank S2.
What habitat does Galium catalinense subsp. catalinense grow in?
Galium catalinense subsp. catalinense grows in Rocky slopes, cliffs.
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.