Figure 128.—Yerba santa (Eriodictyon californicum)

Synonym

Eriodictyon glutinosum Benth.

Other Common Names

Mountain balm, consumptive's weed,* bear's-weed, gum plant, tarweed.

Habitat And Range

Yerba santa is common on the Pacific coast along the coastal ranges from central California north to Oregon.

Description

This evergreen shrub, which reaches a height of from 3 to 4 feet, has a smooth stem which exudes a gummy substance. The narrow, dark-green, leathery leaves are from 3 to 4 inches in length and are covered with a resinous substance which makes them appear as if varnished. The rather showy, whitish, or pale-blue flowers are borne in clusters at the top of the plant.

Part Used

The leaves.

*This is a popular but misleading name.