Galium proliferum
Desert bedstraw
(c) Sue Carnahan, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Rubiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.2
Galium proliferum (Desert bedstraw) is a native California herb in the Rubiaceae family, recognized by annual habit and mixed leaf arrangements diagnostic among desert species.
Desert bedstraw is a rare (CNPS 2B.2) California native annual found in desert mountains in rocky banks and limestone ledges at elevations of 1,100 to 1,400 meters. Flowering from April to May, this plant produces pale yellow flowers in small clusters with rotate corollas. Growing 5 to 30 centimeters tall with erect stems that are somewhat hairy and rough-textured, it develops a delicate branching structure. Its leaves grow in whorls of 3 to 4, with narrow lanceolate blades 3 to 10 millimeters long, featuring obtuse to soft-pointed tips. The plant produces small nutlets with short, hooked hairs that aid in seed dispersal.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 18 sympatric species; annual habit and mixed leaf arrangements diagnostic among desert species
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky banks, limestone ledges
Elevation: 1100-1400 m
Outside California: to Arizona, Mexico
Bloom period
Galium proliferum blooms Apr-May.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.2
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 proliferum native to California?
Yes. Galium proliferum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Galium proliferum bloom?
Galium proliferum blooms Apr-May.
What plant family does Galium proliferum belong to?
Galium proliferum is in the Rubiaceae family, genus Galium.
Is Galium proliferum rare or endangered?
Galium proliferum carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.2, state rank S2.
What habitat does Galium proliferum grow in?
Galium proliferum grows in Rocky banks, limestone ledges.
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.