Galium hilendiae
Hilend's bedstraw
(c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steve Matson · licence
Family: Rubiaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Galium hilendiae (Hilend's bedstraw) is a native California subshrub in the Rubiaceae family, recognized by desert mountain habitat, woody base extending above ground, and bell-shaped pink flowers.
Hilend's bedstraw is a California native perennial herb found in rocky mountain habitats at elevations between 1,000 to 2,000 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces delicate pink flowers in bell-shaped corollas arranged in terminal panicles. Growing with hairy stems 13 to 45 centimeters tall and becoming woody near the base, it develops a distinctive structure with multiple stems. Its leaves grow in whorls of 4, ranging from lanceolate to ovate or nearly round, creating a distinctive whorl-like arrangement along the stem. The plant's fruit is characterized by nutlets with long, straight hairs that add texture to its overall appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 18 sympatric species; key features are desert mountain habitat, woody base extending above ground, and bell-shaped pink flowers
Habitat and range
California counties: Inyo, San Bernardino, Los Angeles
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 hilendiae native to California?
Yes. Galium hilendiae is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Galium hilendiae grow?
Galium hilendiae occurs in Inyo, San Bernardino, Los Angeles.
What plant family does Galium hilendiae belong to?
Galium hilendiae is in the Rubiaceae family, genus Galium.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · 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.