Mountain Balm

Scientific name

Eriodictyon californicum

Description

Mountain Balm is an evergreen shrub species that typically grows up to 2 m in height. This plant may also be known by the common names Yerba Santa or Bear Weed. The leaves are narrow, long, lanceolate shaped, have entire margins, and have an unpleasant odor. The flowers are blueish pink colored, bell shaped, appear in dense clusters, and bloom between May and June. The food and habitat provided by this shrub are beneficial to many wildlife species, including birds and mammals. The flowers are beneficial to pollinator species, such as bees and butterflies. This shrub can grow aggressively when established and is valuable for re-vegetating open areas. The roots are good for controlling erosion and stabilizing shorelines.

Planting conditions

Mountain Balm grows best in dry to normal conditions with full or partial sun exposure. It prefers shallow sand, loam, rock, or clay soil types. It tolerates shallow soil, poor soil, acidic soil, shade, and steep slopes. Established plants can tolerate drought and dry soil but young plants should be watered occasionally during hot summers. This shrub can be naturally found on dry open slopes and rocky ridges along the pacific northwest.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Max 2m
  • Max 3m
  • Any
  • Over 3m
• Moisture level:
  • Dry
  • Normal
  • Drought Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
  • Shade
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
  • Rocky
• pH:
  • Acidic
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
  • Bareroot
• Plant type:
  • Shrub
• Height:
  • 2 m
• Spread:
  • 2 m