Galium hilendiae subsp. kingstonense
Kingston mountains bedstraw, Kingston Mountains Bedstraw
(c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steve Matson · licence
Family: Rubiaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Galium hilendiae subsp. kingstonense (Kingston mountains bedstraw) is a native California subshrub in the Rubiaceae family, recognized by Kingston Range location, matted densely hairy habit, and narrow flower throat.
Kingston mountains bedstraw is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native perennial found in the Kingston Range in northeastern San Bernardino County's desert mountains in rocky places at elevations of 1,200 to 2,100 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces delicate pink flowers in bell-shaped corollas with narrow throats. Growing with slender, weak stems up to 35 centimeters long that form dense, matted clusters, it is characterized by its long, soft hairs. Its leaves are 8 to 16 millimeters long, lanceolate to ovate with obtuse or acute tips that are soft to the touch. The plant forms intricate, intertwined mats in its rocky desert habitat, creating a distinctive ground-hugging growth pattern.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 18 sympatric species; key features are Kingston Range location, matted densely hairy habit, and narrow flower throat
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky places
Elevation: 1200-2100 m
Outside California: central Nevada
Bloom period
Galium hilendiae subsp. kingstonense blooms May-Jul.
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 hilendiae subsp. kingstonense native to California?
Yes. Galium hilendiae subsp. kingstonense is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Galium hilendiae subsp. kingstonense bloom?
Galium hilendiae subsp. kingstonense blooms May-Jul.
What plant family does Galium hilendiae subsp. kingstonense belong to?
Galium hilendiae subsp. kingstonense is in the Rubiaceae family, genus Galium.
Is Galium hilendiae subsp. kingstonense rare or endangered?
Galium hilendiae subsp. kingstonense carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, state rank S2.
What habitat does Galium hilendiae subsp. kingstonense grow in?
Galium hilendiae subsp. kingstonense grows in Rocky places.
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.