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Anemopsis californica (Yerba Mansa)

Yerba Mansa, Apache Beads, Lizard Tail, Houttuynia californica

Anemopsis californica, Yerba Mansa, Apache Beads, Lizard Tail, Houttuynia californica, White Flowers

Anemopsis californica (Yerba Mansa) is a vigorously spreading, low-growing perennial boasting erect flower spikes in late spring and summer. Rising just above the foliage, each spike is topped with tiny, scented, white flowers clustered into a cone. 4-9 large white spoon-shaped bracts at the base of each spike look like petals. The foliage of large, fleshy, deep green leaves, up to 6 in. long (15 cm), exudes a strong, spicy, musty scent. The whole plant takes on red tints in cold snaps and turns brick red in the fall. Yerba Mansa will often spread out like a carpet throughout moist soils, and choke out any other plants. It dies right back in the fall, then fresh new growth appears again in spring. This pretty marginal aquatic makes a nice groundcover and is perfect for ponds and bog gardens.

  • Grows up to 12 in. tall (30 cm) and 24-36 in. wide (60-90 cm). Will eventually form a dense, large colony. Runners may be cut off at any time to control its tendency to spread
  • Thrives in permanently moist soil in full sun or part shade. Will tolerate up to 6 in. (15 cm) of water over the crown.
  • Great choice for planting along ponds and streams, bog gardens, beneath a moisture-loving tree.
  • Virtually pest and disease free. Deer resistant.
  • Remove dead leaves and spent flowers as necessary.
  • Propagate by seed, by division or by separating rooted runners.
  • Native to southwestern North America and adjacent areas of Mexico.

Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 10
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Saururaceae
Common names Yerba Mansa
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 10" - 1'
(25cm - 30cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 30" - 36"
(80cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs High
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Poorly Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Native Plants California, United States, Kansas, Midwest, Oregon, Pacific Northwest, Southwest, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, Colorado, Rocky Mountains
Tolerance Deer, Wet Soil
Garden Uses Bog Gardens, Ground Covers, Ponds And Streams
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
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Recommended Companion Plants

Primula bulleyana (Candelabra Primrose)
Myosotis scorpioides (Water Forget-Me-Not)
Iris ‘Black Gamecock’ (Louisiana Iris)
Iris versicolor ‘Kermesina’ (Blue Flag)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 10
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Saururaceae
Common names Yerba Mansa
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 10" - 1'
(25cm - 30cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 30" - 36"
(80cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs High
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Poorly Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Native Plants California, United States, Kansas, Midwest, Oregon, Pacific Northwest, Southwest, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, Colorado, Rocky Mountains
Tolerance Deer, Wet Soil
Garden Uses Bog Gardens, Ground Covers, Ponds And Streams
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?

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