Galium sparsiflorum subsp. sparsiflorum
(c) Alexander Wentworth, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Rubiaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Galium sparsiflorum subsp. sparsiflorum is a native California subshrub in the Rubiaceae family, recognized by thin, puberulent leaves vs. leathery glabrous ones.
Sparseflower bedstraw is a California native perennial found in the Sierra Nevada in shady places within conifer forest at elevations of 800 to 2,300 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces small white flowers in delicate, loosely arranged clusters. Growing with slender green stems to approximately 30 centimeters tall, it forms a thin, spreading habit. Its leaves are elliptic to occasionally slightly ovate, thin and softly puberulent, typically 1 to 3 centimeters long. The plant has a delicate green appearance with fine, subtle textural qualities characteristic of bedstraw species.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 31 sympatric species; distinguished by thin, puberulent leaves vs. leathery glabrous ones
Habitat and range
Habitat: Shady places in conifer forest
Elevation: 800-2300 m
California counties: Tulare, Mariposa, El Dorado, Fresno, Placer, Butte, Calaveras, Madera, Mono, Tehama
Bloom period
Galium sparsiflorum subsp. sparsiflorum blooms Jun-Aug.
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. sparsiflorum native to California?
Yes. Galium sparsiflorum subsp. sparsiflorum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Galium sparsiflorum subsp. sparsiflorum bloom?
Galium sparsiflorum subsp. sparsiflorum blooms Jun-Aug.
Where in California does Galium sparsiflorum subsp. sparsiflorum grow?
Galium sparsiflorum subsp. sparsiflorum occurs in Tulare, Mariposa, El Dorado, Fresno, Placer, Butte, Calaveras, Madera and other counties, at elevations of 800-2300 m.
What plant family does Galium sparsiflorum subsp. sparsiflorum belong to?
Galium sparsiflorum subsp. sparsiflorum is in the Rubiaceae family, genus Galium.
What habitat does Galium sparsiflorum subsp. sparsiflorum grow in?
Galium sparsiflorum subsp. sparsiflorum grows in Shady places in conifer forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · 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.