Galium nuttallii subsp. nuttallii
Photo: parent species Galium nuttallii · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Rubiaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Galium nuttallii subsp. nuttallii is a native California shrub in the Rubiaceae family, recognized by minute sharp curved hairs, chaparral habitat, and climbing woody habit with berries.
Nuttall's bedstraw is a California native perennial found in southern coastal California, western Transverse Ranges, and Peninsular Ranges in chaparral habitats at elevations of 3 to 500 meters. Flowering from March to June, this plant produces small white flowers in delicate clusters. Growing with slender stems covered in minute, sharp, curved hairs that give the plant a distinctive texture, it forms low, sprawling clusters. Its narrow leaves are arranged in tight whorls around the stem, typical of the bedstraw genus. The plant's fine, clinging hairs help it attach to clothing or animal fur, a characteristic adaptation for seed dispersal.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 18 sympatric species; distinguished by minute sharp curved hairs, chaparral habitat, and climbing woody habit with berries
Habitat and range
Habitat: Chaparral
Elevation: 3-500 m
Outside California: Baja California
Bloom period
Galium nuttallii subsp. nuttallii blooms Mar-Jun.
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 nuttallii subsp. nuttallii native to California?
Yes. Galium nuttallii subsp. nuttallii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Galium nuttallii subsp. nuttallii bloom?
Galium nuttallii subsp. nuttallii blooms Mar-Jun.
What plant family does Galium nuttallii subsp. nuttallii belong to?
Galium nuttallii subsp. nuttallii is in the Rubiaceae family, genus Galium.
What habitat does Galium nuttallii subsp. nuttallii grow in?
Galium nuttallii subsp. nuttallii grows in Chaparral.
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.