Illustration of Clinopodium douglasii by Mary Elizabeth Parsons in The Wild Flowers of California; Their names, Haunts, and Habits (1897). [Public Domain]
Genus: Clinopodium
Common Names: various
Description coming soon.
Distribution: widespread
Our Selection
Clinopodium chilense
Common name(s): Chilean mint bush
Description: a splendidly mint-scented evergreen shrub found on arid slopes in Central Chile. Foliage is short and narrow and the slightest disturbance will release its very intense aroma. Blooms pale lilac flowers in summer.
Height: to 2 ft. Spread: to 3 ft.
Clinopodium douglasii
Common name(s): yerba buena, Oregon tea
Description: perennial; A trailing herb that was so common in the bay area of California that San Francisco was originally named Yerba Buena until it was 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.
Height: to 5 in. Spread: to 3 ft.