Yerba Mansa (Anemopsis californica)

Yerba Mansa (Anemopsis californica) in bloom. Photograph by Wynn Anderson.

• Common English Names: Yerba Mansa, False Anemone, Lizard Tail
• Common Spanish Names: Yerba Mansa, Hierba de Manso
• Scientific Name: Anemopsis californica (Ann-eh-MOP-sis cal-ih-FORN-ih-cah)
• Family: Saururaceae (Lizard's Tail Family)
• Geographic Range: Kansas south to Texas and west to California, Oregon.
• Plant Form: Herbaceous perennial, 1½' tall, spreading by runners.
• Remarks: Vine-like runners root at leaf nodes to form a dense spreading carpet of large dark green leaves with long stemmed, white cone-shaped flowers in summer; leaves turn red and die after frost to return from hardy rooted crowns in spring; prefers moist soil in shade or part shade, but established plants are moderately drought tolerant and will accept full sun with adequate irrigation.

Last Update: 12 Jul 2002