When does California Yerba Santa bloom?

It typically flowers from April through June, producing clusters of tubular lavender to white blooms on upright stems.

How much water does this shrub need?

Once established, California Yerba Santa prefers low water and good drainage, making it a good fit for dry gardens and slopes that don't get regular irrigation.

What pollinators visit California Yerba Santa?

The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which feed on the nectar during the spring bloom period.

Does California Yerba Santa lose its leaves in winter?

No, it holds onto its narrow, resin-coated leaves year round, giving it a shrubby evergreen structure in the landscape.

What kind of light does this shrub need to grow well?

It grows best in full sun to part sun locations, similar to the open, sunny slopes and foothills where it is commonly found.

Is California Yerba Santa toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag California Yerba Santa as toxic to livestock.

Is California Yerba Santa HOA-friendly?

California Yerba Santa is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

California Yerba Santa

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Eriodictyon californicum

Last reviewed: September 2026

California Yerba Santa is an evergreen, drought tolerant shrub that blooms lavender to white flowers from April through June and thrives in dry, sunny foothill and chaparral settings.

California Yerba Santa (Eriodictyon californicum) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag California Yerba Santa as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

24"–60" H × 24"–48" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

CA, OR

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, hummingbirds

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Northwestern Forested Mountains

Yerba Santa is a native shrub with lance-shaped, sticky leaves and clusters of lavender-white tubular flowers. It grows well in dry, sunny locations and requires little irrigation once established, making it excellent for drought-tolerant gardens.

Growing California Yerba Santa

Grow California Yerba Santa in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 24 to 48 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

California Yerba Santa is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.

Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.

Sticky leaves can collect dust and look untidy
Can appear somewhat rangy or wild in its growth habit
May be perceived as too 'natural' for formal landscape designs

Wildlife value

The tubular flowers attract numerous pollinators including native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its extended blooming period provides food for pollinators through late spring into early summer.

Common questions

When does California Yerba Santa bloom?: It typically flowers from April through June, producing clusters of tubular lavender to white blooms on upright stems.
How much water does this shrub need?: Once established, California Yerba Santa prefers low water and good drainage, making it a good fit for dry gardens and slopes that don't get regular irrigation.
What pollinators visit California Yerba Santa?: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which feed on the nectar during the spring bloom period.
Does California Yerba Santa lose its leaves in winter?: No, it holds onto its narrow, resin-coated leaves year round, giving it a shrubby evergreen structure in the landscape.
What kind of light does this shrub need to grow well?: It grows best in full sun to part sun locations, similar to the open, sunny slopes and foothills where it is commonly found.
Is California Yerba Santa toxic to dogs?: California Yerba Santa is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is California Yerba Santa toxic to cats?: California Yerba Santa is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is California Yerba Santa toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag California Yerba Santa as toxic to livestock.
Is California Yerba Santa HOA-friendly?: California Yerba Santa is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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