Clinopodium douglasii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Clinopodium douglasii |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| (unranked): | |
| (unranked): | |
| (unranked): | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: |
Clinopodium
|
| Species: |
C. douglasii
|
| Binomial name | |
| Clinopodium douglasii (Benth.) Kuntze
|
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Micromeria chamissonis (Benth.) Greene |
|
Clinopodium douglasii, often called yerba buena, is a fragrant plant found in western and northwestern North America. It grows from the coast of Alaska all the way down to California.
This plant is a type of herb that spreads out and forms a mat on the ground. It lives for many years, which means it's a perennial plant. You'll often find it growing close to the ocean. The name "yerba buena" comes from Spanish and means "good herb." This name is also used for other plants that smell nice.
Contents
What is Yerba Buena?
Yerba buena is a small, sprawling plant known for its pleasant smell. It belongs to the mint family. This herb grows close to the ground, often forming a dense mat. It is a native plant in many parts of North America.
Where Does Yerba Buena Grow?
You can find yerba buena in many places along the Pacific coast. It grows in Alaska, British Columbia in Canada, and south through Washington, Oregon, and California in the United States. It especially likes areas near the coast.
The Story Behind the Name
The most common name for this plant is "yerba buena." This name is the same in both English and Spanish. It comes from the Spanish phrase hierba buena, which means "good herb."
How Missionaries Named the Plant
Catholic missionaries arrived in Alta California a long time ago. Native people there showed them this useful plant. Because it was so helpful and smelled good, the missionaries gave it the name "yerba buena."
Yerba Buena and San Francisco
The plant was so common that its name was given to a nearby settlement. This town was next to Mission San Francisco de Asís. The cove along San Francisco Bay where the town was located also got the name Yerba Buena.
There was also an island in front of the settlement. By 1833, this island was called Isla Yerba Buena. It might have been named after the town, the cove, or directly after the herb itself.
From Yerba Buena to San Francisco
In 1846, the United States took control of the town of Yerba Buena. This happened during the Mexican–American War. In 1847, the town's name was changed to San Francisco.
Today, millions of people drive through the Yerba Buena Tunnel every year. This tunnel is on Yerba Buena Island. It connects different parts of the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge.
Other "Good Herbs"
The name "yerba buena" is also used for other plants. These are usually plants that have a strong, pleasant smell. Many old world mints are also called yerba buena. The native Clinopodium douglasii smells a lot like spearmint.
See also
In Spanish: Clinopodium douglasii para niños
