Ethnobotany for Clinopodium douglasii

1. Yerba Buena – Clinopodium/Satureja douglasii
(kline-oh-PO-dee-um (sat-yew-REE-a) dug-LAS-ee-eye)
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
Native to: Los Angeles Co. north to British Columbia; in woods near coast and coast ranges, usually
trailing into open, shady areas of many habitats, commonly chaparral and woodland communities.
Growth characteristics: creeping perennial herb mature height: 6-12 in. mature width: to 6 ft.
Small rounded leaves with delicately scalloped edges and prominent veining are evergreen. Very
aromatic. Spreads across the ground forming a mat. Branches root where they touch the soil.
Makes a pleasant tea and was used medicinally by Native Californians for a range of complaints.
Blooms/fruits: Tiny, white-purple “mint-type” flowers on long stalks arising from leaf axils.
Blooms April-Sept.
Uses in the garden: Pleasant, non-aggressive ground-cover. Scented & evergreen. a wonderful
plant for containers, low walls or large window boxes, cascading over the sides. It will grow under
pines and oaks. An interesting ground cover or accent plant cascading over a rock wall, hanging
basket. Appropriate for woodland garden, sunny edge, dappled shade, shady edge.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native evergreen groundcovers.
Attracts: ?? Probably bees, perhaps butterflies.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Part shade to full shade; can tolerate full sun along coast
Soil Sandy, well-drained best; any pH
Water Likes to be moist; will wilt if becomes dry – but will recover
Fertilizer Low requirement
Other
Management: easy to grow. Thrives with little care in filtered shade with some water. Cut back
to encourage denser growth, control shape.
Propagation: from seed: yes, in spring. Barely cover seed. by cuttings: easy
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 7, 8, 13, 14, 28 11/26/10
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