Yerba Buena
Clinopodium douglasii
Also listed as Satureja douglasii, Micromeria chamissonis
Also known as Indian Mint, Oregon Tea
Climate Match for your location
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Yerba Buena is a low-growing, aromatic perennial groundcover native to the western United States with small oval leaves and delicate purple or lavender flowers. Traditionally used for tea and medicinal purposes, it spreads gently across the forest floor and tolerates shade.
Why grow it
Yerba Buena establishes more readily than many native groundcovers in shaded forest conditions where competing species struggle to gain traction. Its aromatic foliage and modest flowering make it useful for pollinator habitat in understory settings, and it requires minimal fertilization once established in appropriate microclimates. Compared to non-native groundcover alternatives, it fits well into native plant restoration work across the Pacific region.
Watch out for
This plant performs best with consistent moisture during establishment and may decline in very dry sites even with afternoon shade. In warmer or drier climates outside its native range, performance can be inconsistent, so trial placement in a protected microclimate before expanding plantings is prudent. Growth may be slower than expected in the first season, requiring patience before assessing establishment success.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Lamiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Western North America (California to British Columbia)
Native to: Alaska, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Yerba Buena is a low-growing, aromatic perennial groundcover native to the western United States with small oval leaves and delicate purple or lavender flowers. Traditionally used for tea and medicinal purposes, it spreads gently across the forest floor and tolerates shade.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Yerba Buena grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Yerba Buena establishes more readily than many native groundcovers in shaded forest conditions where competing species struggle to gain traction. Its aromatic foliage and modest flowering make it useful for pollinator habitat in understory settings, and it requires minimal fertilization once established in appropriate microclimates. Compared to non-native groundcover alternatives, it fits well into native plant restoration work across the Pacific region.
Watch out for
This plant performs best with consistent moisture during establishment and may decline in very dry sites even with afternoon shade. In warmer or drier climates outside its native range, performance can be inconsistent, so trial placement in a protected microclimate before expanding plantings is prudent. Growth may be slower than expected in the first season, requiring patience before assessing establishment success.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Lamiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Western North America (California to British Columbia)
Native to: Alaska, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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