Eriodictyon californicum

Eriodictyon californicum is an evergreen aromatic shrub with woody rhizomes, typically found in clonal stands growing to a height of . The inflorescence is a cluster of bell-shaped white to purplish flowers, each between one and two centimeters in length. ==Taxonomy==

When first described, it was placed in genus Wigandia, so its basionym is Wigandia californica. == Distribution ==

It is native to California and Oregon, where it grows in several types of habitats, including chaparral and coast redwood forests. == Ecology ==

E. californicum is a specific food and habitat plant for the butterfly Papilio eurymedon. It is the primary nectar source for variable checkerspot butterflies in the Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve in California. == Phytochemicals ==

Eriodictyol is one of the 4 flavanones identified as having taste-modifying properties, the other three being: homoeriodictyol, its sodium salt, and sterubin. These compounds may be used in food and pharmaceuticals to mask bitter taste. ==Uses==

This species of shrub is used for revegetating damaged or disturbed lands, such as overgrazed rangeland. Yerba santa extract may be marketed as a dietary supplement. ==References==