Clinopodium douglasii

Common name(s): yerba buena

Description: perennial; A trailing herb that was so common in the bay area of California that the city of San Francisco was originally named Yerba Buena until being changed in 1847. Native from SE Alaska to Northern California. Low, crawling stems with glossy green leaves that release a minty aroma when bruised. Tiny white flowers in spring. Used by many first nations peoples as a beverage and medicinally.

Height: to 5 in. Spread: to 3 ft.

Position: partial shade and well-draining soil

Uses: medicine, culinary- herbal teas, iced teas

Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below

Distribution: West coast of North America from SE Alaska to N. California and inland to Idaho and Montana.