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Description
Eriodictyon Tomentosum, also known as Woolly Yerba Santa, is a shrub that belongs to the Hydrophyllaceae family. It is native to California, specifically in the coastal ranges and foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. This plant is known for its medicinal properties, as its leaves were traditionally used by Native Americans to treat respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, and colds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Hydrophyllaceae |
| Genus | Eriodictyon |
Appearance
Woolly Yerba Santa is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Its leaves are leathery and covered with fine white hairs, which give them a woolly appearance. The leaves are also aromatic, with a resinous scent. The flowers of this plant are small and white, and they bloom in the spring and summer. The fruit of Woolly Yerba Santa is a small capsule that contains many seeds.
Care Guide
Woolly Yerba Santa is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow. It prefers well-draining soil and regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. This plant also benefits from occasional fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. Woolly Yerba Santa can tolerate full sun to partial shade, but it thrives in partial shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Woolly Yerba Santa is relatively pest-free, but it can be susceptible to spider mites and aphids. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. This plant is also prone to root rot if it is grown in poorly draining soil or overwatered.
Habitat
Woolly Yerba Santa is native to California and can be found in the coastal ranges and foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. It grows in chaparral, oak woodland, and mixed evergreen forest habitats. This plant is adapted to the dry summers and mild winters of California, and it can tolerate drought and occasional frost.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Woolly Yerba Santa be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Woolly Yerba Santa can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its size and the soil is well-draining.
Q: How often should Woolly Yerba Santa be fertilized?
A: Woolly Yerba Santa can be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Is Woolly Yerba Santa drought-tolerant?
A: Yes, Woolly Yerba Santa is drought-tolerant and can survive long periods without water once it is established.
Q: What are the medicinal properties of Woolly Yerba Santa?
A: Woolly Yerba Santa has traditionally been used to treat respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, and colds. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties.
Related Plants
- Eriodictyon californicum
- Eriodictyon crassifolium
- Eriodictyon capitatum
- Eriodictyon trichocalyx
References
- “Eriodictyon tomentosum.” Las Pilitas Nursery. Accessed 30 September 2021. https://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/eriodictyon-tomentosum
- “Woolly Yerba Santa.” Santa Cruz Mountains Bioregional Council. Accessed 30 September 2021. https://www.bioregionalcouncil.org/woolly-yerba-santa/
- “Eriodictyon tomentosum (Turp. & A. Gray) Greene.” USDA NRCS Plant Database. Accessed 30 September 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ERTO
