Galium angustifolium

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Narrow Leaved Bedstraw

Narrow Leaved Bedstraw is a perennial herb that grows 1 – 3 ft. tall x 2 – 3 ft. wide with a mounded to slightly sprawling shape. It is one of the most common of the ~40 species of bedstraw that are native to CA, and is most notable for its many slender branches with narrow leaves, which give this plant an open delicate appearance.

In the garden, Narrow Leaved Bedstraw is sturdier than it looks! It prefers rocky, well-drained soil, but in the garden it can grow in clay soils just fine and can tolerate anywhere from moderate to infrequent water. This is a great filler species, providing nice contrast to garden shrubs. It’s also a host plant for several Lepidoptera species like the White-lined Sphinx moth and Dainty Sulphur butterfly.

Lifeform: Perennial

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade

Water: Dry, Light, Moderate

Soil: Clay, Loam, Rocky, Sand

Other: Attracts Butterflies, Drought Tolerant

Ecological Value

Host plant for several lepidoptera species, including the White-lined Sphinx moth and Dainty Sulphur butterfly.

Historical Uses

Dried foliage of Galium species have been used to stuff straw mattresses., Kumeyaay or Southern Diegueno peoples use a tea made from the foliage (with or without flowers) as a traditional medicine for diarrhea.

Distribution

Southern California along the Coast ranges, Channel Islands, Sierra Nevada Foothills, Peninsular Ranges, San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains, and the Sonoran Desert

Elevation

Elevation: -62" – 8668"

Communities
Habitat

Cliffs, canyons, protected places on hillsides