Yerba santa, Mountai balm, Tar weed
Eriodictyon californicum
Family: Boraginaceae
What it is like
An evergreen shrub. It grows 2.5 m high and spreads 2 m wide. The leaves are sword shaped and 15 cm long. The leaves are covered with a fragrant resin. They are white and woolly underneath. The edges can be wavy or have teeth. The flowers are funnel shaped with 5 lobes. They are white or lilac. The appear in clusters in summer. The fruit are 4-valved capsules.
There are 9 Eriodictyon species. It is used in medicine. Also put in the family Hydrophyllaceae.
Where it is found
It is a warm temperate plant. It needs a temperature above 5-7°C.
Countries/locations it is found in
Europe, France, Germany, Mexico, North America (country/location of origin), USA
How it is used for food
The leaves are chewed to alleviate thirst. They are also used to make tea. An extract from the leaves is used to flavour baked goods, candy, ice cream and soft drinks.
Edible parts
Leaves, leaves - tea
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed or from semi-ripe cuttings off side shoots.
Its other names
Local names
Hierba santa