Galium johnstonii
Johnston's bedstraw
Family: Rubiaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.3
Galium johnstonii (Johnston's bedstraw) is a native California subshrub in the Rubiaceae family, recognized by elongated upper internodes and larger size.
Johnston's bedstraw is a California native perennial found in the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains in open mixed forest at elevations of 1,650 to 2,300 meters. Flowering from May to August, this plant produces small yellow flowers in clusters on ascending branchlets. Growing with erect stems 18 to 46 centimeters tall, it has a woody base and distinctively arranged foliage. Its leaves grow in whorls of 4, measuring 14 to 30 millimeters long and appearing nearly linear in shape. The plant is dioecious, with flowers that are rotate or slightly bell-shaped and covered in fine hairs.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 20 sympatric species; diagnostic elongated upper internodes and larger size
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open mixed forest
Elevation: 1650-2300 m
California counties: Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Riverside
Bloom period
Galium johnstonii blooms May-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 johnstonii native to California?
Yes. Galium johnstonii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Galium johnstonii bloom?
Galium johnstonii blooms May-Aug.
Where in California does Galium johnstonii grow?
Galium johnstonii occurs in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Riverside, at elevations of 1650-2300 m.
What plant family does Galium johnstonii belong to?
Galium johnstonii is in the Rubiaceae family, genus Galium.
Is Galium johnstonii rare or endangered?
Galium johnstonii carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.3, state rank S4.
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.