Eriodictyon californicum (California Yerba Santa)
California Yerba Santa
Eriodictyon californicum (California Yerba Santa) is an erect, much-branched, evergreen shrub with lance-shaped, shiny, highly resinous leaves, 6 in. long (15 cm). The leaves contain aromatic compounds that give them an unpleasant odor and bitter taste. As a result, the shrub is unpalatable to most animals. In spring, clusters of bell-shaped white to lavender flowers appear just above the leaves. They attract many pollinators, especially bees. Native to California and Oregon, California Yerba Santa grows along the Coast and Klamath ranges from Monterey County north to Siskiyou County, California. It is found on dry, rocky slopes and ridges in several types of habitat, including chaparral and forest. It occurs in wet, mild winters and hot, dry summers. California Yerba Santa is both a residual colonizer and a survivor in disturbed communities, establishing either from seed or by sprouting from rhizomes. California Yerba Santa is useful for soil stabilization. Leaf extracts were used by Native Americans and early settlers as a remedy for cough, colds, and asthma.
- Grows up to 3-10 ft. tall (90-300 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm). It will spread by underground rhizomes to form a colony over time.
- A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in a variety of well-drained soils. Soil texture varies from sandy loam to heavy clay. Tolerates serpentine soil. Requires little irrigation in summer once established (twice per month). Drought tolerant
- No serious pest or disease issues. Deer resistant.
- Good choice for hedges and screens, butterfly gardens, and bird gardens.
- Native to California and Oregon.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 5
– 10 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 3' – 10' (90cm – 3m) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 24" – 36" (60cm – 90cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | United States, California, Pacific Northwest, Oregon |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Dry Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
Melissa McMasters, Alan Schmierer, Flickr
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.
Requirements
Hardiness | 5
– 10 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 3' – 10' (90cm – 3m) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 24" – 36" (60cm – 90cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | United States, California, Pacific Northwest, Oregon |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Dry Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |