Phloxleaf Bedstraw: A California Native Worth Considering
If you’re exploring native California plants for your garden, you might have come across phloxleaf bedstraw (Galium andrewsii intermedium). This perennial herb belongs to the bedstraw family, a group known for their delicate appearance and wildlife-friendly nature. While information about this specific variety is limited, let’s explore what we do know about this intriguing native plant.
What Is Phloxleaf Bedstraw?
Phloxleaf bedstraw is a native perennial forb that calls California home. As a forb, it’s a vascular plant that lacks significant woody tissue above ground – think of it as somewhere between a grass and a shrub, but leaning toward the herbaceous side. This plant has perennating buds at or below ground level, helping it return year after year even if the above-ground portions die back.
The common name phloxleaf bedstraw suggests its leaves might resemble those of phlox plants, though specific details about its appearance are scarce in readily available sources.
Where Does It Grow?
This bedstraw is native to the lower 48 states, with its known range including California. As a California native, it has evolved to thrive in the state’s diverse climate conditions and ecosystems.
Should You Plant Phloxleaf Bedstraw?
Here’s where things get interesting – and a bit challenging. While phloxleaf bedstraw has the appeal of being a true California native, specific information about its garden performance, growing requirements, and ornamental value is surprisingly limited. This doesn’t necessarily make it a poor choice, but it does mean you’d be somewhat pioneering if you decide to grow it.
The Pros and Cons
Potential advantages:
- Native to California, supporting local ecosystems
- Perennial nature means it should return year after year
- Part of the bedstraw family, which generally supports wildlife
- Likely adapted to California’s climate patterns
Potential challenges:
- Limited availability in nurseries
- Scarce information about specific growing requirements
- Unknown ornamental value or garden performance
- May require experimentation to grow successfully
Growing Conditions and Care
Unfortunately, specific growing requirements for phloxleaf bedstraw aren’t well-documented. However, as a California native, it’s likely adapted to the state’s Mediterranean climate patterns. Most California natives prefer well-draining soil and can handle periods of drought once established.
If you’re determined to try growing this plant, consider these general approaches for California natives:
- Plant in fall for best establishment
- Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot
- Water regularly the first year, then reduce as the plant establishes
- Avoid heavy fertilization, which many natives dislike
Alternative Considerations
Given the limited information available about phloxleaf bedstraw, you might want to consider better-documented members of the bedstraw family or other California natives. Sweet-scented bedstraw (Galium triflorum) or northern bedstraw (Galium boreale) are more commonly available and have established track records in gardens.
The Bottom Line
Phloxleaf bedstraw represents an intriguing but somewhat mysterious choice for native plant enthusiasts. While its status as a California native gives it ecological credentials, the lack of readily available growing information makes it more suitable for adventurous gardeners willing to experiment. If you do decide to try it, you’ll be contributing valuable knowledge to the native plant community – just be prepared for some trial and error along the way.
Before purchasing, try to source plants or seeds from reputable native plant nurseries, and don’t hesitate to ask for their experience with this particular variety. Sometimes the best gardening adventures come from exploring the lesser-known natives in our own backyards.
