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Common Name: Yerba Buena

General Information

Micromeria chamissonis is a perennial plant that can grow up to 0.10 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Western N. America - southern British Columbia to southern California.

Habitat

Coniferous woods[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.10 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers an open position in a well-drained soil[]. Succeeds in poor soils[]. Plants grow best and live longer when grown in an open sunny position and a dry sandy soil[].
A prostate plant, the stems forming roots at the leaf axils wherever they come into contact with the soil[].
The bruised leaves release a most refreshing lemony scent resembling verbena[].

Edible Uses

The dried leaves, steeped in boiling water, make a palatable mint-flavoured tea[, , , ]. The dried leafy spines are used according to other reports[, ].

Medicinal

The whole plant is aphrodisiac, blood purifier, mildly digestive, febrifuge, sedative and tonic[, , ]. An infusion can be used in the treatment of insomnia, colic, upset stomachs, kidney problems, colds and fevers[]. A decoction of the plant has been used to get rid of pinworms[]. The decoction has also been used as an aphrodisiac[].
A poultice of the warm leaves have been applied to the jaw, or the plant held in the mouth, as a treatment for toothache[].

Other Uses

The leaves have been placed in clothing as a perfume[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Basal cuttings in early summer. Harvest the shoots with plenty of underground stem when they are about 8 - 10cm above the ground. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.
Division of the rooted prostrate stems in the spring.