Micromeria douglasii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Micromeria douglasii |
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Micromeria
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douglasii
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Yerba buena is a special plant known by its scientific names Micromeria douglasii or Clinopodium douglasii. It's a type of herb that smells nice and grows like a mat, spreading out over the ground. You can find it in western and northwestern North America, from the coast of Alaska all the way down to California. It's especially common near the ocean.
The name "yerba buena" comes from Spanish and means "good herb." This name is also used for other plants. In 2010, scientists studied the plant's DNA and found that it actually belongs to the Clinopodium group, not Micromeria, which changed its main scientific name.
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What's in a 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 the Name Started
Catholic missionaries in Alta California (which is now part of California) learned about this plant from the native people living there. They thought it was a "good herb" because of its uses and pleasant smell, so they gave it the name "yerba buena."
The plant was so common in the area that its name was also given to other places:
- A town next to Mission San Francisco de Asís was called Yerba Buena.
- A bay along San Francisco Bay was also named Yerba Buena.
- An island in front of the settlement was called Isla Yerba Buena as early as 1833.
Yerba Buena Becomes San Francisco
In 1846, during the Mexican–American War, the United States took control of the town of Yerba Buena. Its name was changed to San Francisco in 1847. Today, many people drive through the Yerba Buena Tunnel on Yerba Buena Island every day. This tunnel connects parts of the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge.
Other Plants Called Yerba Buena
The name "yerba buena" is also used for other plants that have a nice smell, especially different kinds of mints from around the world. The native Micromeria douglasii plant has a scent that is very similar to spearmint.
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Leaves and flowers
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