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Bransford, W.D. Mrs.
Anemopsis californica (Nutt.) Hook. & Arn.
Yerba mansa, Yerba-mansa, Lizard tail
Synonyms: Anemia californica, Anemopsis californica var. subglabra
USDA Symbol: ANCA10
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
Woolly stems, 4-20 in. high, are subtended by large, waxy, dull-green basal leaves that lie flat on the ground. Stems root as they grow along the surface, forming an unusual, solid ground cover. Spikes of odd, whitish flowers occur at the top of the flowering stem. The plant exudes a unique fragrance on warm days.
Mansa in Spanish means mild or tame, the whole name supposedly meaning herb or tame, the whole name supposedly meaning herb of the tamed Indian. The aromatic rootstock has been put to many medicinal uses: treatment of abrasions, cuts, and burns; a cure for a variety of gastrointestinal upsets; a poultice for rheumatism; a tonic for blood purification.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Herb Root Type: Tap Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Leaf Color: Green
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep
Distribution
USA: AZ , CA , CO , KS , NV , NM , OK , OR , TX , UT
Native Distribution: Santa Clara Co., CA & the Sacramento valley to NV, s.w. UT & TX, s. to Mex.; introduced in e. CO
Native Habitat: Wet, alkaline marsh & creek edges below 6500 ft.
USDA Native Status: L48(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: High
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Wet
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Wet or moist alkaline soils.
Benefit
Use Food: Leaves used in teas.
Use Medicinal: The aromatic rootstock has been put to many medicinal uses: treatment of abrasions, cuts, and burns; a cure for a variety of gastrointestinal upsets; a poultice for rheumatism; a tonic for blood purification.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Propagation
Description: Sow seed.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: No treatment.
Commercially Avail: yes
Metadata
Record Modified: 2008-10-19
Research By: TWC Staff
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