yerba buena

yerba buena (yĕrˈbə bwāˈnə) [key], trailing evergreen perennial ( Micromeria chamissonis ) of the family Labiatae (mint family). It is native to W North America and especially common to woodland areas along the Pacific coast. Its aromatic leaves were gathered by the Native Americans of California for use in a medicinal tea. Yerba buena is classified in the division Magnoliophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Lamiales, family Labiatae.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.