Galium magnifolium
Large leaf bedstraw
Family: Rubiaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Galium magnifolium (Large leaf bedstraw) is a native California subshrub in the Rubiaceae family, recognized by distinctive large, flat leaves.
Large leaf bedstraw is a California native perennial found in the Clark Mountains in rocky slopes within the juniper belt at elevations of 800 to 2,000 meters. Flowering from May to August, this plant produces white flowers with long external hairs in small clusters. Growing with flexible stems 10 to 45 centimeters tall that emerge from a woody base, it forms a few erect stems with leafy internodes. Its leaves grow in whorls of 4, measuring 8 to 23 millimeters long, generally lanceolate to ovate with flat surfaces and tapered tips. The fruit consists of small nutlets 2 to 4 millimeters long with a few short, straight hairs.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 18 sympatric species; distinctive large, flat leaves are diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky slopes in juniper belt
Elevation: 800-2000 m
Outside California: to Utah
Bloom period
Galium magnifolium 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 magnifolium native to California?
Yes. Galium magnifolium is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Galium magnifolium bloom?
Galium magnifolium blooms May-Aug.
What plant family does Galium magnifolium belong to?
Galium magnifolium is in the Rubiaceae family, genus Galium.
What habitat does Galium magnifolium grow in?
Galium magnifolium grows in Rocky slopes in juniper belt.
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.