Anemopsis californica

Identification

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Description

Yerba Mansa is a stoloniferous perennial that has large, waxy, dull gray-green leaves that lay flat and forms mats that from a distance look like a permanent pasture. This is a marsh and creekside plant, that is alkaline tolerant. It forms complete coverage for acres at Hungry Valley at the Top of I-5 above L.A. and at the Kern River Preserve in Onyx. Funny, white flowers emerge on 1 foot high, slightly cone-shaped spikes that resemble a huge plantain. Leaves were utilized medicinally as a poultice to reduce swelling. Beautiful in spring and early summer. Ugly in late summer and winter. You can get around much of the winter ugly by either pruning back (a mower will work) the foliage or mixing with Eleocharis species , Satureja mimuloides, Iris species, etc.