1. * Smoothleaf Yerba Santa – Eriodictyon trichocalyx var. trichocalyx
(er-ee-oh-DIK-tee-yon tri-ko-KAY- lix)
Family: Boraginaceae (Borage family) or Hydrophyllaceae (Waterleaf Family)
Native to: S. CA mountains from San Gabriel & San Bernardino Mtns S. to Baja; dry rocky slopes,
mesas and ravines in chaparral, yellow pine forest, pinyon-juniper and joshua tree woodland.
perennial shrub
mature height: 4-6 ft.
mature width: 1-2 ft.
Upright evergreen shrub with thick, stiff branches. Leaves are toothed, thick and very aromatic
(resinous scent) when crushed. Foliage of Hairy (Southern) form is white-hairy, distinctive. Foliage
of Smoothleaf type is green, shiny-waxy and sticky.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms/fruits:
flowering stalks.
Blooms May to August. Flowers funnel-form, purple or lavender in loose sprays on
Very attractive up close but not wildly showy. Fruit a sticky capsule.
Uses in the garden: Often used as a specimen plant for it’s attractive foliage.
Nice in mixed beds
with contrasting shrubs. Great for erosion control; fire-retardant. Nice along a fence or sunny wall.
Fresh or dry leaves used for making tea (with as sweetener). Tongva natives used tea for sore
throats, respiratory ailments.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native shrubs.
Attracts: insects and the birds that eat them.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun
Well-drained, sandy soils are best.
Drought tolerant once established. Will take some summer water, but will spread.
None needed
Quite easy in well-drained soils. Reseeds.
especially in irrigated gardens.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: yes
May out-compete/over-run other plants,
by cuttings: softwood cuttings after blooming in summer
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 10, 13, 16
12/26/13
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