Yerba Mansa, Lizard Tail

Sun Exposure: Shade to part sun

Origin: Southwestern USA, northern Mexico, marsh and creekside plant, 3000 to 4500 feet elevation (900-1350 m)

Growth Habits: Deciduous perennial, 12 to 18 inches tall (30-45 cm) ; thick aromatic rootstock; large, waxy, dull gray-green leaves, 2 to 8 inches long (5-20 cm), they turn red in autumn

Watering Needs: Prefers moist soils, tolerates salty and alkaline soils, tolerates occasional drought

Propagation: Seeds, rooted stolons, division in spring

The plant has been used medicinally. The leaves were used as a poultice to reduce swelling. The roots contain methyleugenol, an antispasmodic, and the dry root was chewed by the natives to relieve pain.

Blooming Habits:
The Yerba Mansa bears greenish to white flowers on a cone shaped spike, surrounded by 7 or 8 large petal-like bracts in summer, on 12 inches high stems (30 cm).