Galium hypotrichium subsp. subalpinum
(c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Rubiaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Galium hypotrichium subsp. subalpinum is a native California subshrub in the Rubiaceae family, recognized by above-timberline habitat is key diagnostic feature.
Mountain bedstraw is a California native perennial found in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains on rocky talus above timberline at elevations of 2,650 to 3,880 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces nearly white flowers in small rotate to shallow bell-shaped clusters. Growing with compact stems 2 to 15 centimeters tall, it forms a short, relatively open structure. Its leaves are small, 5 to 10 millimeters long, with ovate to round shapes and acute to pointed tips. The delicate fruit is 4 to 6 millimeters long and includes fine hairs.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 25 sympatric species; above-timberline habitat is key diagnostic feature
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocks, talus, generally above timberline
Elevation: 2650-3880 m
Bloom period
Galium hypotrichium subsp. subalpinum blooms Jun-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. subalpinum native to California?
Yes. Galium hypotrichium subsp. subalpinum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Galium hypotrichium subsp. subalpinum bloom?
Galium hypotrichium subsp. subalpinum blooms Jun-Aug.
What plant family does Galium hypotrichium subsp. subalpinum belong to?
Galium hypotrichium subsp. subalpinum is in the Rubiaceae family, genus Galium.
What habitat does Galium hypotrichium subsp. subalpinum grow in?
Galium hypotrichium subsp. subalpinum grows in Rocks, talus, generally above timberline.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.