Galium grande
San gabriel bedstraw, San Gabriel Bedstraw
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Rubiaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Galium grande (San gabriel bedstraw) is a native California subshrub in the Rubiaceae family, recognized by San Gabriel Mountains location, large sprawling clumps, and berry fruits.
San gabriel bedstraw is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in the San Gabriel Mountains in oak woodland and chaparral at elevations of 425 to 1,220 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces small yellow flowers in delicate, hairy clusters on terminal panicles. Growing with sprawling, stout stems 15 to 152 centimeters long that root at the nodes and form dense, climbing clumps, it creates intricate ground cover in woodland areas. Its leaves grow in distinctive whorls of 4, each 5 to 15 millimeters long, widely elliptic with acute tips and margins rolled slightly under. The plant develops small hairy berries, contributing to its dense, textured appearance in its native habitat.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 17 sympatric species; key features are San Gabriel Mountains location, large sprawling clumps, and berry fruits
Habitat and range
Habitat: Oak woodland, chaparral
Elevation: 425-1220 m
California counties: Los Angeles
Bloom period
Galium grande blooms May-Jul.
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 grande native to California?
Yes. Galium grande is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Galium grande bloom?
Galium grande blooms May-Jul.
Where in California does Galium grande grow?
Galium grande occurs in Los Angeles, at elevations of 425-1220 m.
What plant family does Galium grande belong to?
Galium grande is in the Rubiaceae family, genus Galium.
Is Galium grande rare or endangered?
Galium grande carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S1.
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 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.