Satureja douglasii

Yerba Buena

This is a spreading evergreen groundcover 3 to 6 inches tall with bright green, wavy leaves and tiny white flowers in spring. It is native from Los Angeles County to British Columbia, prefers shaded areas, and is often found by its fragrance– you might smell its strongly minty scent before you see it. This plant was once so common in this area that the city now known as San Francisco was originally named in its honor.

Uses: Yerba buena is edible and its leaves make a delicious mint tea.