Name:  Yerba Santa (Eriodictyon crassifolium)

Family:  Waterleaf (Hydrophyllaceae)

Flowering Season:  April thru June

Notes:  A native shrub, it was used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes.  The leaves are dark green and hirsute with jagged edges.  It can be boiled in water to make a tea which, when drunk, has a soothing effect on the throat.  Grows to 12 feet.

 

 

Photographs by Gabi McLean
Yerba Santa (Eriodictyon crassifolium)