California Native Heritage Plant for June 2016
Clinopodium douglasii or ‘Yerba Buena Mint’

This low growing member of the mint family is endemic to the west coast and makes a fine tea.  Expect 6 inches height and 6 feet spread on tendrils, grows in all kinds of soil and rarely gets pests or disease.  The natives of California used it to induce sweating and more modern herbals list it as an emetic. Regardless of its medicinal uses, it makes a delicious tea combined with chamomile and/or hummingbird sage.  Pick runners from April through August and dry in a paper-bag.  Both old and new leaves are useful, just avoid any that have bug bites or spotting.  Mix 1 part herb to 30 parts water for tea, YUM!

In the landscape or garden, Yerba Buena makes a good groundcover, especially useful around native shrubs like Ceanothus and Calycanthus as it can tolerate drought stress and more frequent watering without complaint.

1 gallon containers of Clinopodium douglasii for $10.99 at Ploughshares Nursery.