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Clinopodium douglasii (Benth.) Kuntze
Oregon-tea, Yerba buena
Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
Synonyms: Satureja douglasii, Micromeria chamissonis
USDA Symbol: cldo2
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
Oregon-tea or Yerba Buena is a flat, creeping perennial that spreads to 6 ft. across. The bright-green, velvety, rounded leaves have tiny scallops along their margins and a minty fragrance. The tiny, white flowers are two-lipped and borne in the leaf axils.
The common name Yerba Buena, Spanish for good herb, has been applied to several species of mint, especially Spearmint (Mentha spicata), but in the West it generally refers to S. douglasii. The mild and delightful tea made from the leaves of this delicately fragrant plant has been used to treat many ailments and to alleviate the pain of childbirth.
From the Image Gallery
No images of this plant
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep
Distribution
USA: AK , CA , ID , MT , OR , WACanada: BC
Native Distribution: S. CA Coast Ranges to s.w. B.C.; mostly west of the Cascades but extending e. into n. ID & w. MT
Native Habitat: Forest/scrub or forest/prairie interfaces; shaded woods; seasonal creeks; below 3000 ft.
USDA Native Status: L48(N), AK (I?), CAN(N)
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Moist soils.
Conditions Comments: Yerba Buena is a good, non-aggressive ground cover for moist, shaded areas.
Propagation
Description: Increase by seed, rooted sections or cuttings.Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Seed requires no special treatment.
Commercially Avail: yes
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Bibliography
Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.Search More Titles in Bibliography
Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Clinopodium douglasii in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Clinopodium douglasii in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Clinopodium douglasii
Metadata
Record Modified: 2007-01-01Research By: TWC Staff
