Hairy Yerba Santa
Eriodictyon trichocalyx
Family: Hydrophyllaceae
What it is like
Eriodictyon trichocalyx is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 2
Where it is found
Dry hills.
South-western N. America - California to Mexico.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The fresh or dried leaves have been used as a tea. The leaves have been used as a wayside nibble to quench the thirst.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The leaves are blood purifier and febrifuge. A poultice of the freshly pounded leaves has been applied to relieve the pain of rheumatic joints. A decoction of the leaves has been taken internally to treat TB, sore throats, rheumatism, asthma, catarrh, fevers, coughs and colds.
Antiasthmatic: Treats asthma.
Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.
Blood purifier: Purifies the blood.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Other
Rating:
Planted as a fire-break and also for erosion control in California.
Fire retardant: Plants that do not easily burn and can be used in barrier plantings to limit the spread of forest fires.
Soil stabilization: Plants that can be grown in places such as sand dunes in order to prevent erosion by wind, water or other agents.
How it is grown
Requires a position in full sun in a well-drained sandy soil. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to about -5°c. It is probably best grown against a sunny wall.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist