Eriodictyon californicum
Eriodictyon californicum

Yerba Santa

A member of the Waterleaf Family, Yerba Santa is a low-growing shrub who range from 2-6 feet in height, depending on elevation.  Its stems are bark-shredding and erect. The leaves of Yerba Santa are simple and leathery with a shiny quality, have a balsamic taste and are generally aromatic on warm days.  The flower can be white, lavender or purple, and are bell-shaped. The flowers are generally hairy. The fruit of the plant is 1-3 millimeters wide.