Satureja douglasii

Identification

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Description

Yerba Buena, is a creeping flat perennial that can spread to 3' but is easily held to 1'. Yerba Buena is found in woods near the coast and coast ranges from Los Angeles to British Columbia. Prefers shade and moisture. Its leaves are used for a refreshing tea. A good ground cover without being aggressive, easy to keep small. The stems grow across the ground not with rhizomes. I've seen it growing on all soil types. Yerba Buena usually grows in shade as an understory plant, usually associated with trees like oaks (Quercus), bays (Umbellularia californica) and Madrones (Arbutus menziesii). Some companion plants are Fragaria californica, Rubus ursinus, and Ribes sanguineum var. glutinosum. In its native range rainfall can occur a good portion of the year and can total up to 70". This species will survive well on as little as 15" of rainfall, but in low rainfall areas looks better with occasional rinsing of foliage (simulates fog drip occurring in its native range). Receives a good portion of its moisture as summer fog drip. Super easy, lovely small ground cover that has wonderful fragrant leaves, will grow in pots, and has been used for tea (We mix with strawberry leaves and a pinch of Ribes sanguineum glutinosum leaves). Delicate little groundcover that can tolerate shade. Syn. Clinopodium douglasii