Galium hypotrichium subsp. tomentellum
Telescope peak bedstraw, Telescope Peak Bedstraw
(c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Rubiaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Galium hypotrichium subsp. tomentellum (Telescope peak bedstraw) is a native California subshrub in the Rubiaceae family, recognized by distinctive gray matted appearance and Telescope Peak location.
Telescope peak bedstraw is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native perennial found in the Panamint Range and Telescope Peak area of the Death Valley Mountains on talus and rocky eastern slopes at elevations around 3,300 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces cream-yellow to reddish flowers in small, delicate clusters with a shallowly bell-shaped form. Growing in compact, densely branched mats only up to 9 centimeters tall, it forms a dense, gray-tinted ground-hugging vegetation with fine, soft hairs covering its structure. Its small leaves are ovate, 5 to 9 millimeters long with slightly pointed tips, arranged closely along its intricate branching system. The tiny fruits, including their hairy covering, measure 5 to 8 millimeters in length, contributing to its distinctive appearance in high-elevation rocky habitats.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 18 sympatric species; distinctive gray matted appearance and Telescope Peak location
Habitat and range
Habitat: Talus, eastern slopes, rock crevices and outcrops, bristlecone pine
Elevation: +- 3300 m.
California counties: Inyo, Glenn
Bloom period
Galium hypotrichium subsp. tomentellum blooms Jun-Aug.
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 hypotrichium subsp. tomentellum native to California?
Yes. Galium hypotrichium subsp. tomentellum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Galium hypotrichium subsp. tomentellum bloom?
Galium hypotrichium subsp. tomentellum blooms Jun-Aug.
Where in California does Galium hypotrichium subsp. tomentellum grow?
Galium hypotrichium subsp. tomentellum occurs in Inyo, Glenn, at elevations of +- 3300 m..
What plant family does Galium hypotrichium subsp. tomentellum belong to?
Galium hypotrichium subsp. tomentellum is in the Rubiaceae family, genus Galium.
Is Galium hypotrichium subsp. tomentellum rare or endangered?
Galium hypotrichium subsp. tomentellum carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, state rank S1.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · 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.