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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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

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.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

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.

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.