Galium matthewsii
Matthews' bedstraw, Matthews' Bedstraw
(c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jim Morefield · licence
Family: Rubiaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Galium matthewsii (Matthews' bedstraw) is a native California subshrub in the Rubiaceae family, recognized by sharp-pointed leaves and stiff tangled stems.
Matthews' bedstraw is a California native perennial found in the Sierra Nevada, White and Inyo Mountains, and eastern Mojave Desert on dry, rocky slopes and washes at elevations of 1,100 to 3,000 meters. Flowering from May to August, this plant produces small, approximately yellow flowers in long, spreading panicles. Growing with stiff, erect stems 13 to 30 centimeters tall that are often tangled and many-branched from the base, it forms an open, glabrous habit with a woody foundation. Its leaves grow in whorls of 4, measuring 2 to 10 millimeters long, with lanceolate to ovate blades that are leathery, arched, and sharp to the touch. The fruit consists of small nutlets 3 to 4 millimeters long, adorned with long, straight hairs.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 39 sympatric species; sharp-pointed leaves and stiff tangled stems are diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Dry, rocky slopes, washes
Elevation: 1100-3000 m
California counties: Inyo, San Bernardino, Fresno, Kern
Bloom period
Galium matthewsii 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 matthewsii native to California?
Yes. Galium matthewsii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Galium matthewsii bloom?
Galium matthewsii blooms May-Aug.
Where in California does Galium matthewsii grow?
Galium matthewsii occurs in Inyo, San Bernardino, Fresno, Kern, at elevations of 1100-3000 m.
What plant family does Galium matthewsii belong to?
Galium matthewsii is in the Rubiaceae family, genus Galium.
What habitat does Galium matthewsii grow in?
Galium matthewsii grows in Dry, rocky slopes, washes.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · 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.