Clinopodium douglasii
(syn. Satureja douglasii)
Common Name: yerba buena
Family: Lamiaceae
Origin: California
Type: Perennial
Size: 6 in. high, 3 ft. wide.
Flowers: Flowers are small, white or light lavender, spring, summer; fragrant leaves are round with ruffled edges, about 1 in. long, and smell like mint (used in tea).
Uses: Ground cover, border, rock gardens. Fire resistive.
Wildlife: Deer resistant.
Soil: Likes rich, moist soil.
Water: Medium; tolerates drought.
Sun: Some shade; full sun OK in cooler climates.
Pruning: Prune or pinch back ends of stems to keep compact and from invading adjacent beds.
Pests & Diseases: Generally pest and disease free.
Notes: Native to the coastal scrub plant community. Spreads by rooting stems. Native Californians made minty leaves into a tea that they felt aided digestion, sleep and arthritis. Hardy to 0° F.