Galium hypotrichium subsp. inyoense
(c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Rubiaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Galium hypotrichium subsp. inyoense is a native California subshrub in the Rubiaceae family, recognized by distinguished mainly by Jeffrey pine habitat and larger size.
Galium hypotrichium is a California native perennial found in southern Sierra Nevada Mountains in talus and rocky slopes with Jeffrey-pine forest and pinyon/juniper woodland at elevations of 1,950 to 3,200 meters. Flowering from May to August, this plant produces nearly white, rotate to bell-shaped flowers. Growing with spreading stems 12 to 30 centimeters tall that are scabrous and somewhat open, it has a delicate, open growth habit. Its leaves are widely ovate to round, generally 6 to 14 millimeters long with acute to acuminate tips. The fruit is 4 to 5 millimeters long, including its fine hairs.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 25 sympatric species; distinguished mainly by Jeffrey pine habitat and larger size
Habitat and range
Habitat: Talus, rocky slopes, rocky washes with Jeffrey-pine forest or occasionally pinyon/juniper woodland
Elevation: 1950-3200 m
California counties: Inyo
Bloom period
Galium hypotrichium subsp. inyoense 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. inyoense native to California?
Yes. Galium hypotrichium subsp. inyoense is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Galium hypotrichium subsp. inyoense bloom?
Galium hypotrichium subsp. inyoense blooms May-Aug.
Where in California does Galium hypotrichium subsp. inyoense grow?
Galium hypotrichium subsp. inyoense occurs in Inyo, at elevations of 1950-3200 m.
What plant family does Galium hypotrichium subsp. inyoense belong to?
Galium hypotrichium subsp. inyoense is in the Rubiaceae family, genus Galium.
What habitat does Galium hypotrichium subsp. inyoense grow in?
Galium hypotrichium subsp. inyoense grows in Talus, rocky slopes, rocky washes with Jeffrey-pine forest or occasionally pinyon/juniper woodland.
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.