Galium hardhamiae
Hardham's bedstraw
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Family: Rubiaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Galium hardhamiae (Hardham's bedstraw) is a native California subshrub in the Rubiaceae family, recognized by serpentine soil habitat, 6 leaves per whorl, fleshy bright green leaves with white petioles.
Hardham's bedstraw is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native perennial found in the Santa Lucia Range on serpentine soil with Sargent cypress at elevations of 400 to 950 meters. Flowering from May to September, this plant produces yellow to green or pinkish flowers in small axillary and terminal clusters. Growing as a low, matted perennial with stems less than 30 centimeters tall, it forms dense patches with stiff hairs covering its stems. Its leaves grow in whorls of 6, each 1 to 5 millimeters long, bright green and fleshy with margins strongly rolled under, creating a distinctive compact appearance. The plant is dioecious, with separate male and female plants bearing small, delicate flowers.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 21 sympatric species; key features are serpentine soil habitat, 6 leaves per whorl, fleshy bright green leaves with white petioles
Habitat and range
Habitat: Serpentine soil with Sargent cypress
Elevation: 400-950 m
Bloom period
Galium hardhamiae blooms May-Sep.
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 hardhamiae native to California?
Yes. Galium hardhamiae is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Galium hardhamiae bloom?
Galium hardhamiae blooms May-Sep.
What plant family does Galium hardhamiae belong to?
Galium hardhamiae is in the Rubiaceae family, genus Galium.
Is Galium hardhamiae rare or endangered?
Galium hardhamiae carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, state rank S3.
What habitat does Galium hardhamiae grow in?
Galium hardhamiae grows in Serpentine soil with Sargent cypress.
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.