Galium oreganum
Oregon bedstraw
(c) Lindsey K. Wise, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Lindsey K. Wise · licence
Family: Rubiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 3
Galium oreganum (Oregon bedstraw) is a native California herb in the Rubiaceae family, recognized by exceptionally large 3-veined leaves.
Oregon bedstraw is a California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges of Del Norte County in open conifer forest at elevations to 1,500 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces small yellow to green flowers in terminal clusters with few blooms. Growing with erect stems 20 to 30 centimeters tall and generally glabrous except along leaf margins, it forms distinctive whorls of four leaves. Its leaves are widely ovate to elliptic, 20 to 40 millimeters long with three prominent veins, creating a symmetrical and orderly appearance. The fruit develops as small nutlets with long, hooked hairs that aid in seed dispersal.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 24 sympatric species; exceptionally large 3-veined leaves are diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open conifer forest
Elevation: 1500 m
Outside California: to Washington
Bloom period
Galium oreganum blooms Jun-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 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 oreganum native to California?
Yes. Galium oreganum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Galium oreganum bloom?
Galium oreganum blooms Jun-Aug.
What plant family does Galium oreganum belong to?
Galium oreganum is in the Rubiaceae family, genus Galium.
Is Galium oreganum rare or endangered?
Galium oreganum carries California Rare Plant Rank 3, state rank S1S2.
What habitat does Galium oreganum grow in?
Galium oreganum grows in Open conifer forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.