Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii) | Mint-Scented Ground Cover

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Yerba Buena

Satureja douglasii、Clinopodium douglasii

A native, fast-spreading ground cover with highly aromatic, mint-scented foliage, perfect for shade gardens and between stepping stones.

$18.90

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Description

Clinopodium douglasii (syn. Satureja douglasii), commonly known as Yerba Buena, is a charming, low-growing, evergreen perennial ground cover native to the western United States, including California. It is prized for its vigorous, creeping habit, its highly aromatic, minty-green foliage, and its traditional medicinal and culinary uses. This delightful plant forms a dense, spreading mat of small, rounded to heart-shaped, glossy, scallop-edged leaves that release a strong, pleasant, mint-like fragrance when brushed. In summer, it produces small, inconspicuous, white to pale lavender flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. Highly adaptable, shade-tolerant, and low-maintenance, it is an outstanding choice for planting between stepping stones, as a fragrant lawn alternative, in woodland gardens, and for erosion control on moist, shaded slopes.

Quick Facts

Foliage & Flowers: Small, rounded to heart-shaped, glossy, dark green, scallop-edged, aromatic leaves with a strong minty scent; small, inconspicuous, white to pale lavender flowers in summer.
Mature Height: 3-6 inches.
Mature Spread: 12-36 inches (1-3 ft) or more (spreading by runners).
Growth Rate: Fast.
Hardiness Zones: USDA 7-10; Sunset 4-9, 14-24.
Light Requirement: Filtered sun to partial shade (tolerates full shade).
Core Benefits: Highly aromatic mint-scented foliage, fast-spreading ground cover, shade tolerant, edible leaves (tea/culinary), traditional medicinal uses, attracts pollinators.
Best Uses: Ground cover, between stepping stones, lawn alternative (shade), woodland gardens, slopes (erosion control), containers, herb gardens, fragrant gardens.

Faqs

Q: How strong is the fragrance?
A: The fragrance is strong and pleasant, a complex mix of mint, thyme, and citrus, released when the leaves are brushed or crushed. It is a key feature of the plant.

Q: Is it edible? How can it be used?
A: Yes, the leaves are edible and have been traditionally used by Native Americans and early settlers for herbal teas, flavoring, and medicinal remedies. The leaves can be used fresh or dried for tea.

Q: How much sun does it need?
A: It thrives in filtered sun to partial shade. It is an excellent choice for dry shade and will tolerate full shade, though it may grow less densely.

Q: Does it spread aggressively?
A: It spreads readily by above-ground runners, but it is generally considered a well-behaved ground cover that is easy to control by trimming.

Q: Is it deer resistant?
A: Yes, the aromatic foliage is generally resistant to deer and rabbits.

Q: Can it tolerate foot traffic?
A: It can tolerate light, occasional foot traffic, making it an excellent choice for planting between stepping stones.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

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San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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