Yerba Mansa

(Anemopsis californica)

Yerba Mansa (Anemopsis californica)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Anemopsis californica, commonly known as Yerba Mansa, is a deciduous perennial herb native to wetlands, including marshes, wet meadows, and stream banks in the Southwestern USA, California, and Northwestern Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 0.8-1 feet and a width of 2-3 feet. The plant is notable for its striking inflorescences, which resemble white flowers but are actually clusters of small flowers surrounded by large white bracts, appearing in early spring. These pseudanthia give the plant a distinctive and showy appearance. As the season progresses, the foliage and stems may develop red stains, culminating in a bright red color in the fall. The fruit is a tough, conical structure that facilitates seed dispersal by water.

Yerba Mansa is valued for its medicinal properties, as well as its use as a ground cover and turf alternative in arid landscapes. It is particularly suited for water gardens, rain gardens, and other moist cultivation areas. This plant thrives in full sun to part shade and requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions. While it is adaptable to various soil types, it prefers those with medium to slow drainage. Gardeners should be aware that Yerba Mansa can spread aggressively in ideal conditions, potentially outcompeting other plants in the vicinity.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.8-1 feet
  • Width: 2-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Winter
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: High
  • Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Wetlands, including marshes, wet meadows, and stream banks

Other Names

Common Names: Yerba-Mansa

Scientific Names: Anemopsis californica , Anemopsis californica var. typica , Anemopsis californica var. subglabra , Houttuynia californica , Anemopsis californica var. californica , Anemopsis bolanderi , Anemia californica , Anemopsis berlanderi , Anemopsis ludovici-salvatoris , Aponogeton involucratus , Houttuynia bolanderi

GBIF Accepted Name: Anemopsis californica (Nutt.) Hook. & Arn.