Galium glabrescens subsp. modocense
Modoc bedstraw, Modoc Bedstraw
Photo: parent species Galium glabrescens · (c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Rubiaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Galium glabrescens subsp. modocense (Modoc bedstraw) is a native California subshrub in the Rubiaceae family, recognized by Warner Mountains location, consistently puberulent habit, and smaller fruits.
Modoc bedstraw is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in Warner Mountains in volcanic talus and gravelly slopes at elevations of 1,680 to 2,590 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces cream-colored flowers in small rotating clusters with glabrous to sparsely hairy corollas. Growing with slender stems 8 to 31 centimeters tall that are puberulent, it forms delicate clusters in rocky mountain terrain. Its leaves are small, measuring 7 to 20 millimeters long, with ovate shapes and acute to acuminate tips. The fruit develops 4 to 5 millimeters long with distinctive long, spreading hairs.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 12 sympatric species; key features are Warner Mountains location, consistently puberulent habit, and smaller fruits
Habitat and range
Habitat: Volcanic talus and gravelly slopes
Elevation: 1680-2590 m
Bloom period
Galium glabrescens subsp. modocense blooms Jun-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
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 glabrescens subsp. modocense native to California?
Yes. Galium glabrescens subsp. modocense is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Galium glabrescens subsp. modocense bloom?
Galium glabrescens subsp. modocense blooms Jun-Aug.
What plant family does Galium glabrescens subsp. modocense belong to?
Galium glabrescens subsp. modocense is in the Rubiaceae family, genus Galium.
Is Galium glabrescens subsp. modocense rare or endangered?
Galium glabrescens subsp. modocense carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S3.
What habitat does Galium glabrescens subsp. modocense grow in?
Galium glabrescens subsp. modocense grows in Volcanic talus and gravelly slopes.
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.