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Description
Eriodictyon Trichocalyx, also known as the “Yerba Santa”, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. It is a shrub that usually grows up to 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Yerba Santa’s leaves are thick, leathery, and have a glossy texture. The plant produces small, white to purple flowers that bloom in the spring and summer months. The roots of the plant contain a bitter resin that has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Eriodictyon |
Appearance
The Yerba Santa has thick, leathery leaves that are 2 to 4 inches long and 1 to 2 inches wide. The leaves are dark green on the upper side and lighter green on the underside. The plant produces small, white to purple flowers that bloom in the spring and summer months. The flowers are about 1/4 inch long and form clusters at the tips of the branches. The plant’s bark is grayish-brown and has a rough texture.
Care Guide
To care for Yerba Santa, it is important to provide it with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. The plant needs regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. Fertilize the plant in the spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer. Yerba Santa is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Yerba Santa is generally pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to spider mites and whiteflies if not properly cared for.
Habitat
Yerba Santa is native to California and can be found in the coastal and foothill regions of the state. It grows in dry, rocky soils and is often found in chaparral and sagebrush communities.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I grow Yerba Santa indoors?
A: It is possible to grow Yerba Santa indoors, but it is best suited for outdoor growing in warm climates.
Q: How often should I water my Yerba Santa?
A: Yerba Santa should be watered regularly, especially during the hot summer months. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
Q: Can I use Yerba Santa for medicinal purposes?
A: Yes, the roots of Yerba Santa contain a bitter resin that has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries.
Q: How tall does Yerba Santa grow?
A: Yerba Santa can grow up to 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide.
Related Plants
- Eriodictyon Californicum
- Eriodictyon Glutinosum
- Eriodictyon Trichocalyx Var. Lanatum
References
- “Eriodictyon Trichocalyx.” Calflora. https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-calrecnum=3188. Accessed 2 Sept. 2021.
- “Yerba Santa.” University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. https://ucanr.edu/sites/UrbanHort/California_Pantry_Plants/Yerba_Santa/. Accessed 2 Sept. 2021.
- “Eriodictyon Trichocalyx.” USDA Plants Database. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=ERTR10. Accessed 2 Sept. 2021.
