Yerba Santa
Eriodictyon californicum
Also listed as Eriodictyon glutinosum, Wigandia californica
Also known as California Yerba Santa
Climate Match for your location
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A California native shrub with sticky, aromatic foliage and clusters of small lavender to white flowers in late spring. Extremely drought-tolerant once established and attracts pollinators.
Why grow it
Yerba santa fills a useful niche among native California shrubs that tolerate full sun and minimal water after establishment. Compared to other drought-adapted natives like ceanothus or manzanita, its aromatic foliage and nectar-rich flowers offer dual value for both visual interest and pollinator support. It performs well on poor, well-draining soils where many ornamentals struggle, making it practical for erosion control or fire-safe landscaping in appropriate zones.
Watch out for
Yerba santa prefers well-draining soil and may decline in heavy clay or consistently moist conditions. While extremely drought-tolerant once established, young plants benefit from regular watering during their first growing season to develop a strong root system. The sticky resin on foliage can attract dust and may require occasional rinsing if grown in areas with poor air circulation.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Namaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California coastal ranges and foothills
Native to: California, Oregon
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A California native shrub with sticky, aromatic foliage and clusters of small lavender to white flowers in late spring. Extremely drought-tolerant once established and attracts pollinators.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Yerba Santa grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Yerba santa fills a useful niche among native California shrubs that tolerate full sun and minimal water after establishment. Compared to other drought-adapted natives like ceanothus or manzanita, its aromatic foliage and nectar-rich flowers offer dual value for both visual interest and pollinator support. It performs well on poor, well-draining soils where many ornamentals struggle, making it practical for erosion control or fire-safe landscaping in appropriate zones.
Watch out for
Yerba santa prefers well-draining soil and may decline in heavy clay or consistently moist conditions. While extremely drought-tolerant once established, young plants benefit from regular watering during their first growing season to develop a strong root system. The sticky resin on foliage can attract dust and may require occasional rinsing if grown in areas with poor air circulation.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Namaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California coastal ranges and foothills
Native to: California, Oregon
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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