Eriodictyon spp.
yerba santa
Overview
Eriodictyon is a genus of about eight to nine evergreen shrubs in the borage family, Boraginaceae, native to the dry hills and chaparral of western North America. Plants grow 2–8 ft (0.6–2.4 m) tall with upright, branching stems that often sucker into loose colonies. The narrow, leathery leaves are 1–6 inches (2.5–15 cm) long, dark green and glossy or felted with white wool depending on species, and coated in a sticky resin that makes them aromatic and water-repellent. Clusters of funnel-shaped flowers, 0.2–0.5 inch (5–12 mm) long, open in late spring and summer in shades of white, lavender, and pale purple, drawing bees and other insects. E. californicum, yerba santa, is the species long used as a herbal remedy and the source of the common name. The genus is adapted to heat, drought, and poor rocky soils, often colonizing burned or disturbed slopes, but the resinous foliage and suckering habit make it a coarse plant for small gardens. Most species are damaged by hard, prolonged frost.
Native Range
Eriodictyon is native to western North America, from Oregon and California south into Baja California and the southwestern United States. It grows in chaparral, dry foothills, and pine woodland, often spreading quickly on slopes cleared by fire.Suggested Uses
Eriodictyon is used in dry, water-wise, and native-plant gardens, on hot banks, and in erosion control on slopes. Plants are spaced 4–6 ft (1.2–1.8 m) apart to allow for suckering. The aromatic foliage and drought tolerance suit fire-wise and low-water landscapes in mild-winter regions.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 8'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Bloom Information
Eriodictyon flowers from late spring into summer, roughly May to July, with curved sprays of funnel-shaped flowers opening over several weeks. White and lavender forms occur across the genus. The bloom draws bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to dry, open slopes where few other shrubs flower at that season.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white, lavender, or pale purpleFoliage Description
dark green, white-felted beneath in some speciesGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight