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yerba buena

Clinopodium douglasii

Yerba buena is a lovely green plant that smells like mint! It's often found in gardens and along trails, making the air fresh and nice.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The yerba buena is a low-growing, mat-forming plant with small, roundish to oval, bright green leaves. Its tiny, funnel-shaped flowers are typically white or pale lavender, often appearing in clusters where the leaves meet the stem. It creates a lush, spreading carpet of greenery.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyLamiaceaeGenusMicromeria
yerba buena
aromatic trait badgeflowering trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badgeevergreen trait badge
yerba buena

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Crush its leaves and you'll discover a refreshing scent, like mint candy!

It's an evergreen plant, meaning it stays green all year long, even in winter!

Native Americans have used this plant for centuries in traditional medicines.

Rubbing its leaves on bug bites can help soothe the itch and sting away.

Special abilities

Ability

Creeping Conqueror

Yerba buena can spread its stems along the ground, taking root as it goes, which helps it quickly colonize new areas.

Ability

Scented Shield

This plant has aromatic leaves that release a minty fragrance, helping to deter some plant-eating pests and protect itself.

Ability

Thirsty Survivor

Yerba buena has adaptations that allow it to endure periods of dryness, helping it survive in less consistent watering conditions.

Measurements & details

Height
10-30 cm
Spread
30-100 cm
Flower Size
0.3-0.8 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to early fall
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Good HerbMint Plant

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always ask an adult before touching or tasting plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is yerba buena?

10-30 cm

How wide does yerba buena spread?

30-100 cm

How big are the flowers on yerba buena?

0.3-0.8 cm

When does yerba buena bloom?

Late spring to early fall

Is yerba buena edible?

Yes

Is yerba buena toxic?

None

What is yerba buena's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is yerba buena pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

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