Sign In 
Get Premium Thickleaf Yerba Santa
(Eriodictyon crassifolium)
Thickleaf Yerba Santa (Eriodictyon crassifolium)
/
/
Joe Decruyenaere
CC BY-SA 2.0
Image By:
Joe Decruyenaere
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Joe Decruyenaere | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: joedecruyenaere | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Eriodictyon crassifolium, commonly known as Thickleaf Yerba Santa, is an evergreen shrub native to the chaparral and coastal sage scrub regions of California. It typically grows to a height of one to three meters. The plant is characterized by its hairy to woolly texture, with leaves that can reach up to 17 centimeters in length and 6 centimeters in width. These leaves are dark green, often with toothed margins, and feature a hairy underside, while the upper surface is less hairy and more rigid. The inflorescence consists of clusters of bell-shaped lavender flowers that bloom in the spring and summer, adding ornamental value. The woody, branching stems give the shrub a robust structure.
Thickleaf Yerba Santa is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in full sun with minimal water, making it suitable for xeriscaping and native plant gardens. It is also used for erosion control on slopes due to its deep root system. In cultivation, it requires well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. This shrub is also appreciated for its historical medicinal uses by indigenous peoples and for the aromatic compounds in its leaves, which can be used to make herbal remedies.CC BY-SA 4.0
Thickleaf Yerba Santa is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in full sun with minimal water, making it suitable for xeriscaping and native plant gardens. It is also used for erosion control on slopes due to its deep root system. In cultivation, it requires well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. This shrub is also appreciated for its historical medicinal uses by indigenous peoples and for the aromatic compounds in its leaves, which can be used to make herbal remedies.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 4-5 feet
- Width: 3-5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Chaparral and coastal sage scrub regions of California
Other Names
Common Names: Thick-Leaf Yerba-Santa, Tjockbladig Balsambuske
Scientific Names: , Eriodictyon crassifolium, Eriodictyon crassifolium var. crassifolium, Eriodictyon californicum f. latifolium, Eriodictyon californicum var. pubens, Eriodictyon crassifolium subsp. grayanum, Eriodictyon californicum f. linearis, Eriodictyon crassifolium var. niveum, Eriodictyon glutinosum var. serratum, Eriodictyon californicum subsp. australe
GBIF Accepted Name: Eriodictyon crassifolium Benth.