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Summary
Yerba Buena is also known as Satureia douglasii
Physical Characteristics
Micromeria chamissonis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.3 m (1ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
M. douglasii. Satureia douglasii. (Benth.)Briq. Thymus chamissonis. T. douglasii.
Habitats
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Tea
The dried leaves, steeped in boiling water, make a palatable mint-flavoured tea[183, 207, 256, 257]. The dried leafy spines are used according to other reports[161, 177].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Anthelmintic Aphrodisiac Blood purifier Digestive Febrifuge Kidney Sedative Tonic
The whole plant is aphrodisiac, blood purifier, mildly digestive, febrifuge, sedative and tonic[207, 256, 257]. An infusion can be used in the treatment of insomnia, colic, upset stomachs, kidney problems, colds and fevers[257]. A decoction of the plant has been used to get rid of pinworms[257]. The decoction has also been used as an aphrodisiac[257]. A poultice of the warm leaves have been applied to the jaw, or the plant held in the mouth, as a treatment for toothache[257].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Essential
The leaves have been placed in clothing as a perfume[257]. A dynamic accumulator gathering minerals or nutrients from the soil and storing them in a more bioavailable form - used as fertilizer or to improve mulch.
Special Uses
Dynamic accumulator Food Forest Scented Plants
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Prefers an open position in a well-drained soil[1]. Succeeds in poor soils[200]. Plants grow best and live longer when grown in an open sunny position and a dry sandy soil[245]. A prostate plant, the stems forming roots at the leaf axils wherever they come into contact with the soil[245]. The bruised leaves release a most refreshing lemony scent resembling verbena[245]. Micromeria chamissonis (Benth.) Greene is a synonym of Micromeria douglasii Benth. Satureja douglasii (Benth.) Briq. is a synonym of Micromeria douglasii Benth. For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. An evergreen. The plant growth habit is a clumper with limited spread [1-2]. The root pattern is rhizomatous with underground stems sending roots and shoots along their length [1-2].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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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.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Found In
Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
(Benth.)Greene.
Botanical References
60200
Links / References
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