Scientific Family
Rubiaceae
Synonyms
Galium frankliniense, Galium rothrockii, Galium wrightii var. rothrockii
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
6 to 24 inches
Riparian
No
Perennial herb, erect to sprawling. Somewhat shrubby, slightly woody at the base.
Leaves linear to lance-shaped with attachment at narrower end, tapering to a point; flower cluster open, branches longer, spreading, corolla purple or brown; plants not dioecious; hairs of fruit straight, soft, white; fruits conspicuously hairy.
Habitat
Shady, rocky canyons, pinyon-pine woodland.
Plant Community
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Montane Conifer Forest
Interior Chaparral
Grasslands
Desert Scrub
Low elevation
3000
High elevation
8500
Flower Characteristics
Tiny flowers have 3 or 4 red or pink petals per flower and may be bisexual or unisexual on individual plants.
Flower color
Red to purplish-brown
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
May
Last bloom month
October
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
The leaves are present in whorls of four at the nodes.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Tiny nutlets are covered with long, straight hairs.
Fruit type
Nutlet
Fruit color
Green to brown