Anemopsis
Anemopsis californica
Anemopsis californica, known as Yerba Mansa, is a unique wetland perennial with cone-shaped white flower clusters surrounded by showy white bracts. Valued for both ornamental beauty and traditional medicinal uses.
Saururaceae (Lizard's-tail family)
Late spring to late summer (March-September, peaking May-July)
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: desert lilys and cactus (prickly pear)s also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Yerba Mansa holds deep cultural significance for many Native American tribes of the Southwest and Great Basin, who have used it medicinally for centuries. The name "Yerba Mansa" comes from Spanish, possibly meaning "calming herb" or "mild herb," though ironically, it was not used as a sedative but rather for its potent antimicrobial properties. The plant represents the intersection of traditional indigenous knowledge and wetland ecology. It is one of the few representatives of the ancient Saururaceae family (lizard's-tail family) found in North America, sometimes called a "living fossil" linking back to the age of dinosaurs.Shop Our Floral Collection
Transform your space with our curated selection of designer floral throw pillows
Visit Full StoreBotanical Information
Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates semi-shade but flowers best in sun
Water
High; requires consistently moist to wet soil or shallow standing water; not drought-tolerant
Soil
Wet to boggy, Alkaline, Saline tolerant, Clay, Loamy, Moist at all times
Expert Growing Tips
Plant in perpetually moist soil or shallow water (up to 2 inches deep)
Spreads vigorously by rhizomes and stolons; can be invasive in ideal conditions
Goes completely dormant in late summer/fall, disappearing until late winter
Propagate by division of rhizomes or by seed in spring
Self-incompatible; needs cross-pollination from different plants for seed production
Turns bright red in fall before going dormant
Tolerates alkaline and saline soils better than most wetland plants
Best planted in spring for establishment
Can be contained by growing in pots or defined wet areas
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Bog gardens and water features
- Pond margins and aquatic gardens
- Rain gardens and bioswales
- Wetland restoration projects
- Groundcover in perpetually moist areas
- Native plant and wildlife gardens
- Containers with water features
Traditional Uses
- Extensively used in traditional medicine by Native American tribes (Paiute, Shoshone, Pima, Yokuts, others)
- Roots and rhizomes used for antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties
- Traditional remedy for colds, coughs, and respiratory ailments
- Used as a poultice for cuts, burns, wounds, and rheumatism
- Tea made from roots for digestive issues, urinary tract infections
- Applied externally for athlete's foot, diaper rash, and skin infections
- Still gathered and used by some indigenous communities today
- Highly aromatic with spicy, camphor-eucalyptus scent
- Seeds were traditionally ground into meal and eaten as mush or bread by some tribes
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Anemopsis
is yerba mansa edible
The seeds of Yerba Mansa are edible and were traditionally eaten by Native Americans as mush or bread — however, the roots are intensely aromatic and medicinal, not typically eaten as food.
how do you grow yerba mansa
Grow Yerba Mansa in perpetually moist to wet soil or in shallow standing water (up to 2 inches deep) in full sun — it requires consistent moisture and tolerates alkaline, saline conditions.
is yerba mansa invasive
Yerba Mansa can spread aggressively by rhizomes in ideal wet conditions, forming dense mats — it's best contained in bog gardens or defined wet areas to prevent unwanted spread.
what are the medicinal uses of yerba mansa
Yerba Mansa has been used traditionally for its antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties — treating colds, wounds, digestive issues, and skin infections, though it's best to consult an herbalist before medicinal use.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
Share This Flower
Explore More Beautiful Flowers
Discover other flowers with similar meanings, characteristics, or cultural significance.
Desert Lily
Hesperocallis undulata
Desert Lily is a spectacular rare plant that produces towering stalks of fragrant white trumpet flowers in the harsh Sonoran Desert. This remarkable survivor symbolizes resilience, purity, and the triumph of beauty over adversity.
Cactus (Prickly Pear)
Opuntia spp.
Cactus flowers, particularly those of Prickly Pear, produce stunning blooms in vibrant colors despite their spiny protection. These remarkable flowers symbolize endurance, protection, and the beauty that can emerge from life's most challenging circumstances.
Coastal Wildflowers
Various species (Armeria, Limonium, Eryngium, etc.)
Coastal wildflowers are hardy plants that thrive in seaside conditions, adapted to salt spray and sandy soils. They symbolize resilience, adaptation, and the beauty of wild, untamed nature.