Galium sparsiflorum subsp. glabrius
(c) Alexander Wentworth, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Rubiaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Galium sparsiflorum subsp. glabrius is a native California subshrub in the Rubiaceae family, recognized by ovate, leathery, glabrous leaves.
Galium sparsiflorum subspecies glabrius is a California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges, northern Coast Ranges, and California Ranges in shady places within mixed forest at elevations of 350 to 1,600 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces small white or pale flowers in loose, delicate clusters. Growing with slender stems occasionally tinged reddish, it forms a sparse, open habit. Its leaves are generally ovate, leathery in texture, and appear smooth with minimal surface hairs. The plant creates a subtle, understated presence in the cool, shaded understory of mixed forest environments.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 33 sympatric species; distinguished by ovate, leathery, glabrous leaves
Habitat and range
Habitat: Shady places in mixed forest
Elevation: 350-1600 m
Bloom period
Galium sparsiflorum subsp. glabrius blooms May-Jul.
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 sparsiflorum subsp. glabrius native to California?
Yes. Galium sparsiflorum subsp. glabrius is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Galium sparsiflorum subsp. glabrius bloom?
Galium sparsiflorum subsp. glabrius blooms May-Jul.
What plant family does Galium sparsiflorum subsp. glabrius belong to?
Galium sparsiflorum subsp. glabrius is in the Rubiaceae family, genus Galium.
What habitat does Galium sparsiflorum subsp. glabrius grow in?
Galium sparsiflorum subsp. glabrius grows in Shady places in mixed forest.
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.