Galium serpenticum subsp. warnerense
Warner mountains bedstraw, Warner Mountains Bedstraw
(c) Nolan Exe, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Rubiaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Galium serpenticum subsp. warnerense (Warner mountains bedstraw) is a native California subshrub in the Rubiaceae family, recognized by rotate corolla and reflexed leaf tips.
Warner mountains bedstraw is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in the Warner Mountains in steep slopes, rocky areas, meadows, and juniper woodland at elevations of 1,450 to 2,750 meters. Flowering from June to July, this plant produces small white rotate flowers with delicate, spreading petals. Growing with slender stems 5 to 32 centimeters tall, it forms compact clusters in alpine and subalpine landscapes. Its narrow leaves are lanceolate to elliptic, 6 to 15 millimeters long with acute tips that typically curve slightly backward. The fruit is small, measuring 3 to 6 millimeters and covered in fine hairs.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 12 sympatric species; distinguished by rotate corolla and reflexed leaf tips
Habitat and range
Habitat: Steep slopes, rocky areas, meadows, juniper woodland
Elevation: 1450-2750 m
Bloom period
Galium serpenticum subsp. warnerense blooms Jun-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.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 serpenticum subsp. warnerense native to California?
Yes. Galium serpenticum subsp. warnerense is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Galium serpenticum subsp. warnerense bloom?
Galium serpenticum subsp. warnerense blooms Jun-Jul.
What plant family does Galium serpenticum subsp. warnerense belong to?
Galium serpenticum subsp. warnerense is in the Rubiaceae family, genus Galium.
Is Galium serpenticum subsp. warnerense rare or endangered?
Galium serpenticum subsp. warnerense carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
What habitat does Galium serpenticum subsp. warnerense grow in?
Galium serpenticum subsp. warnerense grows in Steep slopes, rocky areas, meadows, juniper woodland.
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.