Yerba Mansa or Anemopsis Californica Bog Plant

Hardy Plant - Yerba Mansa or Anemopsis Californica Bog Plant

Yerba Mansa or Anemopsis californica is part of the Lizard's Tail Family (Saururaceae) a.k.a.  False Anemone, Lizard Tail

Yerba Mansa grows in alkaline wetlands of Arizona, California & New Mexico.  Its family, the Saururaceae, has only one other member Saururus cernuus or "Lizard's Tail" which grows in the Eastern and Midwestern wetlands of the United States.  So, if you want to find this plant a riparian area or a cienega would be the best place to look.  Anemopsis californica produces long runners bearing new leaves and roots.  A single plant can quickly spread to form a fragrant, leafy carpet.

Yerba Mansa leaves are mostly in a radical cluster at the base of the stem; they are from 2 to 4 inches in length, one-half as broad, of a firm, leathery texture, smooth and entire; their outline is oblong, with a cordate base. The leaf-stalks are about the length of the leaf, dilated at the base, and pubescent along the margin.  Its smell is a spicy fragrance resembling eucalyptus, juniper, and wild ginger.

Native Americans used the leaves for herbal tea. It was named for the local Indians. They called it “Yerba del mansa,” which means “herb of the tamed Indians.” Thus its name.

Height: Up To About 18 inches tall.
Flowers: The "flower" is actually a conical one inch cluster of very tiny yellow stamens and pistils hidden among bright white petal-like bracts or modified leaves.
Blooming Time: May to June.
Leaves: Mostly in a radical cluster at the base of the stem; they are from 2 to 4 inches in length, one-half as broad, of a firm, leathery texture, smooth and entire; their outline is oblong, with a cordate base.
Found: Arizona, New Mexico, California, and Northern Mexico. Riparian areas.
Elevation: 800 - 4,800 Feet.
Habitat: Usually riparian areas but it prefers salty, brackish, or alkaline environments such as a cienega.