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Clinopodium douglasii

Clinopodium douglasii (Benth.) Kuntze

Yerba Buena, Oregon-tea

Lamiaceae (Mint Family)

Synonym(s): Micromeria chamissonis, Satureja chamissonis, Satureja douglasii

USDA Symbol: CLDO2

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (I), CAN (N)

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.