Galium hypotrichium
Alpine bedstraw
(c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Rubiaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Galium hypotrichium (Alpine bedstraw) is a native California subshrub in the Rubiaceae family, recognized by high elevation alpine habitat, crowded fleshy leaves, and yellowish fruit hairs.
Alpine bedstraw is a California native perennial herb found in alpine and subalpine areas of the Sierra Nevada Mountains at high elevations. Flowering from July to August, this plant produces small, delicate white to pale yellow flowers in sparse, leafy clusters. Growing with low, generally hairy stems 2 to 30 centimeters tall, it forms a slightly woody base with compact growth. Its leaves grow in tight whorls of 4, appearing crowded and fleshy with rounded to ovate shapes and obtuse tips. The plant is characterized by long, straight, yellowish hairs covering its stems and nutlets, giving it a distinctive soft and pale appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 18 sympatric species; key features are high elevation alpine habitat, crowded fleshy leaves, and yellowish fruit hairs
Habitat and range
California counties: Mono, Tulare, Inyo, Fresno, Tehama
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 hypotrichium native to California?
Yes. Galium hypotrichium is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Galium hypotrichium grow?
Galium hypotrichium occurs in Mono, Tulare, Inyo, Fresno, Tehama.
What plant family does Galium hypotrichium belong to?
Galium hypotrichium 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.