Eriodictyon trichocalyx, commonly known as hairy yerba santa, is a perennial shrub native to the chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and dry slopes of Southern California and Baja California. It typically grows up to 7 feet tall and wide, with a woody base and an open, branching form. The leaves are lance-shaped to oval, ranging from hairless and resinous to densely woolly, which helps the plant conserve moisture. From late spring to early summer, it produces clusters of white to light purple bell-shaped flowers that are attractive to pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.

Hairy yerba santa is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, rocky soils, making it suitable for xeriscaping and native plant gardens. It requires little maintenance once established and is often used for erosion control on slopes. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to light shade and requires well-drained soils. While it is drought-tolerant, occasional deep watering during extended dry periods can promote more vigorous growth. This plant has a history of medicinal use by indigenous peoples, such as the Cahuilla and Chumash, who utilized it for respiratory issues and as a liniment for foot and chest ailments. However, it is not commonly used in modern herbal medicine. Gardeners should be aware that in some environments, it can self-seed and become somewhat weedy.CC BY-SA 4.0