Eriodictyon californicum is a species of plant within the family Boraginaceae. It is also known as yerba santa (sacred herb), mountain balm, bear's weed, gum bush, gum plant, and consumptive weed. Less common names include Herbe des Montagnes, Herbe à Ourse, Herbe Sacrée, Herbe Sainte, Hierba Santa, Holy Herb, and Tarweed.
Yerba santa has good resistance to disease and is generally not prone to illnesses. In terms of care, this plant is relatively low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs minimal watering, and larger plants typically do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have bloomed. Yerba santat is appropriate for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or deck, and does not demand much gardening experience.
How to keep Eriodictyon Californicum.
Light
Yerba santa thrives in places that receive the strongest sunlight during the day. The plant's health, growth, and vigor largely depend on this intense sun exposure. Insufficient sunlight can cause stunted growth, while excessive exposure can result in sunscald. Native to sunny habitats, the species can tolerate changes in light levels at different stages of growth.
Temperature
Yerba santa is a plant that does well in its native growing environment when temperatures range from 59 to 95 °F (15 to 35 °C). Ideally, temperatures are higher in summer and lower in winter. If temperatures fall outside this range, adjustments to the environment may be considered.
Fertilizer
Timing is vital for fertilizing Yerba santa. Apply fertilizer in early spring and continue once a month until early summer. Fertilizer encourages attractive blooms and supplies energy during both dormant and active growth phases.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Shrub
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Eriodictyon
- Family
- Boraginaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 7-10
- Mature Height
- 0.91 m to 2.74 m
- Mature Spread
- 0.91 m to 3.05 m
- Leaf Color
- Dark Green, Forest Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Lavender
- Flower Size
- 1.02 cm to 2.03 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall
Other names.
