Galium hypotrichium subsp. hypotrichium
(c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Rubiaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Galium hypotrichium subsp. hypotrichium is a native California subshrub in the Rubiaceae family, recognized by features are extreme high elevation habitat and dense cushion growth form.
Galium hypotrichium subsp. hypotrichium is a California native perennial found in central Sierra Nevada and eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, specifically in the White and Sweetwater Mountains, on high-elevation ridges and talus slopes at elevations of 3,000 to 4,200 meters. Flowering from May to August, this plant produces pale yellow to pink flowers in delicate rotate or bell-shaped clusters. Growing with short, densely branched stems 2.5 to 12 centimeters tall and covered in a fine, velvety texture, it forms compact clusters in alpine environments. Its small leaves are 3 to 8 millimeters long, ovate to nearly round, with tips ranging from obtuse to acute or acuminate. The fruit is 4 to 6 millimeters long, including its fine hairs.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 3 sympatric species; diagnostic features are extreme high elevation habitat and dense cushion growth form
Habitat and range
Habitat: Ridges, talus
Elevation: 3000-4200 m
California counties: Mono, Inyo, Alpine, Fresno, Tuolumne
Bloom period
Galium hypotrichium subsp. hypotrichium blooms May-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 hypotrichium subsp. hypotrichium native to California?
Yes. Galium hypotrichium subsp. hypotrichium is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Galium hypotrichium subsp. hypotrichium bloom?
Galium hypotrichium subsp. hypotrichium blooms May-Aug.
Where in California does Galium hypotrichium subsp. hypotrichium grow?
Galium hypotrichium subsp. hypotrichium occurs in Mono, Inyo, Alpine, Fresno, Tuolumne, at elevations of 3000-4200 m.
What plant family does Galium hypotrichium subsp. hypotrichium belong to?
Galium hypotrichium subsp. hypotrichium is in the Rubiaceae family, genus Galium.
What habitat does Galium hypotrichium subsp. hypotrichium grow in?
Galium hypotrichium subsp. hypotrichium grows in Ridges, talus.
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.