Galium jepsonii
Jepson's bedstraw
Family: Rubiaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.3
Galium jepsonii (Jepson's bedstraw) is a native California subshrub in the Rubiaceae family, recognized by distinctive basal leaf clustering and pink-tipped flowers.
Jepson's bedstraw is a California native perennial herb found in the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains in open woodland and conifer forest at elevations of 2,000 to 2,500 meters. Flowering from July to August, this plant produces cream-colored flowers with pink-tipped lobes in small terminal panicles. Growing in small, erect clumps 8 to 16 centimeters tall, it forms delicate clusters with minimal woody structure. Its leaves grow in tight whorls of 4, concentrated near the plant base, with linear to strap-shaped blades 6 to 15 millimeters long. The plant produces small nutlets with short, strongly curved hairs that give it a distinctive texture.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 20 sympatric species; distinctive basal leaf clustering and pink-tipped flowers
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open woodland, conifer forest, gravelly soil
Elevation: 2000-2500 m
California counties: Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura
Bloom period
Galium jepsonii blooms Jul-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.3
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 jepsonii native to California?
Yes. Galium jepsonii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Galium jepsonii bloom?
Galium jepsonii blooms Jul-Aug.
Where in California does Galium jepsonii grow?
Galium jepsonii occurs in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura, at elevations of 2000-2500 m.
What plant family does Galium jepsonii belong to?
Galium jepsonii is in the Rubiaceae family, genus Galium.
Is Galium jepsonii rare or endangered?
Galium jepsonii carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.3, state rank S3.
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.