Yerba Santa, California yerba santa
Eriodictyon californicum
Family: Hydrophyllaceae
What it is like
Eriodictyon californicum is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2.3 m (7ft) by 2 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August. 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): 2.3
Where it is found
Dry mountain slopes at altitudes up to 1,200 metres.
South-western N. America - Oregon to California.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
The fresh leaves are chewed for their refreshing taste and to relieve thirst. An aromatic sweet tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves. An extract of the leaves is used as a flavouring in baked goods, sweets, ice cream and soft drinks.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 3
Yerba Santa (the name means Holy weed) is a famous domestic remedy from south-western N. America where it is considered to be especially useful as an expectorant. It is an ingredient of many patent cough medicines. The leaves are an aromatic pleasant tasting tonic herb that reduces spasms, expels phlegm and lowers fevers. They are especially recommended for treating diseases of the chest and respiratory system, including asthma, and are also used in the treatment of hay fever. A bitter tea made from the leaves has been much used as a bitter tonic and a stimulating balsamic expectorant. A steam bath made from the branches and leaves has been used in the treatment of rheumatism. A decoction of the leaves has been used as a wash for sore areas and painful fatigued limbs. A natural mouthwash is prepared by rolling the leaves into balls and allowing them to dry in the sun. These are then chewed and at first have a bitter flavour but this is soon replaced by a sweetness if a drink of water is taken. The leaves are harvested in the summer and dried for later use. The plant has been smoked as a remedy for asthma.
Antiasthmatic: Treats asthma.
Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
Pectoral: Relieves respiratory diseases, a remedy for chest diseases.
Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.
Other
Rating:
The leaves have been woven into skirts and aprons.
Weaving: Items such as grass and palm leaves that are woven together for making mats, baskets etc. See also Basket making and Fibre.
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
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. If the plant needs pruning to keep it within bounds, then this is best carried out in spring or early summer. Do not cut back to wood more than 2 years old. This plant is remarkable for the coating of varnish-like resin that covers the upper leaf surface. The foliage is very aromatic.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow on the young plants for at least their first winter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring or early summer. Give some protection from the cold for at least their first couple of winters outdoors.
Best place to grow: South Wall. By. West Wall. By.
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
Not recommended during breast feeding or pregnancy. Iron & other minerals absorption can be effected by Yerba Santa .
Its other names
Local names
Synonyms
Eriodictyon glutinosum Benth. Eriodictyon trichocalyx A.Heller.