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Description
Eriodictyon Californicum, also known as California yerba santa, is a flowering shrub that belongs to the family Boraginaceae. It is native to California and can be found growing in the coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats of the state. The plant is known for its medicinal properties and has been used traditionally by indigenous people to treat respiratory ailments and skin conditions. The leaves of Eriodictyon Californicum have a distinctive resinous aroma and are often used in herbal teas and tinctures.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Eriodictyon |
Appearance
Eriodictyon Californicum is a multi-stemmed shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide. It has dark green, leathery leaves that are 2-4 inches long and 1-2 inches wide. The leaves are covered in fine hairs and have a resinous fragrance. The plant produces clusters of small, white or lavender flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. The flowers are followed by small, woody capsules that contain the plant’s seeds.
Care Guide
Eriodictyon Californicum is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is well-suited to the Mediterranean climate of California. Here are some care tips:- Water: The plant prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate periods of drought once established. Water deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in the winter months.- Fertilization: The plant does not require regular fertilization but can benefit from a balanced fertilizer in the spring.- Soil: The plant prefers sandy or loamy soil that is well-drained. It can tolerate slightly alkaline or slightly acidic soil.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may produce fewer flowers.- Hardiness Zones: Eriodictyon Californicum is hardy to USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Eriodictyon Californicum is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and scale insects. These can be treated with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. The plant can also be susceptible to root rot if grown in poorly-drained soil.
Habitat
Eriodictyon Californicum is native to California and can be found growing in the coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats of the state. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. The plant is well-suited to the Mediterranean climate of California and can tolerate periods of drought once established.
Questions and Answers
Q: What is the medicinal use of Eriodictyon Californicum?
A: The plant has been traditionally used to treat respiratory ailments and skin conditions.
Q: What is the hardiness zone of Eriodictyon Californicum?
A: The plant is hardy to USDA zones 8-10.
Q: What pests and diseases can affect Eriodictyon Californicum?
A: The plant can be susceptible to spider mites, aphids, scale insects, and root rot.
Q: What is the ideal soil type for Eriodictyon Californicum?
A: The plant prefers sandy or loamy soil that is well-drained.
Related Plants
– Eriodictyon crassifolium- Eriodictyon glutinosum- Eriodictyon trichocalyx- Eriodictyon altissimum
References
– California Native Plant Society. (n.d.). Eriodictyon californicum. Retrieved from https://www.calscape.org/Eriodictyon-californicum-() – University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. (n.d.). Yerba Santa. Retrieved from https://ucanr.edu/sites/UrbanHort/California_Native_Plants/Yerba_Santa/
