Galium grayanum var. nanum
Gray's bedstraw
(c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Rubiaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Galium grayanum var. nanum (Gray's bedstraw) is a native California subshrub in the Rubiaceae family, recognized by very compact habit 2.5-14cm and High North Coast Range location.
Gray's bedstraw is a California native perennial found in northern Coast Ranges in open fir forest and chaparral on gravelly or rocky slopes and ridges at elevations of 1,830 to 2,500 meters. Flowering from July to August, this plant produces small white to cream-colored flowers in delicate clusters. Growing as a compact herb just 2.5 to 14 centimeters tall with densely clustered stems, it forms tight, low-growing mats across rocky terrain. Its leaves are small, narrow, and pointed, measuring 4 to 9 millimeters long with sharp acute to acuminate tips. The fruit is small and hairy, measuring 6 to 8 millimeters in total length.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 18 sympatric species; key features are very compact habit 2.5-14cm and High North Coast Range location
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open fir forest or chaparral, gravelly or rocky slopes and ridges
Elevation: 1830-2500 m
Outside California: Oregon, Nevada
Bloom period
Galium grayanum var. nanum blooms Jul-Aug.
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 grayanum var. nanum native to California?
Yes. Galium grayanum var. nanum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Galium grayanum var. nanum bloom?
Galium grayanum var. nanum blooms Jul-Aug.
What plant family does Galium grayanum var. nanum belong to?
Galium grayanum var. nanum is in the Rubiaceae family, genus Galium.
What habitat does Galium grayanum var. nanum grow in?
Galium grayanum var. nanum grows in Open fir forest or chaparral, gravelly or rocky slopes and ridges.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
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.