Description
Anemopsis californica, known as yerba mansa or Apache beads, is a low marginal plant with large, aromatic green leaves that turn red in cold snaps and often all over in autumn. From June to August it carries a cone of tiny honey-scented flowers above white, petal-like bracts.
Yerba mansa at a glance
| Botanical name |
Anemopsis californica |
| Common name |
Yerba mansa, Apache beads |
| Plant type |
Low, spreading perennial; dies back in winter |
| Height and spread |
About 30–45 cm tall, about 45 cm wide; spreads slowly by runners |
| Flowers |
White cone of tiny honey-scented flowers above white petal-like bracts, June to August |
| Position |
Full sun or part shade |
| Soil |
Permanently moist to wet, neutral to alkaline soil |
| Pond depth |
0–10 cm of water over the crown |
| Hardiness |
RHS H6 – hardy in a very cold winter (-20 to -15°C) |
| Native to |
South-west USA and Mexico (not UK native) |
Where to plant yerba mansa
- The shallow edge of a pond, up to 10 cm deep
- Wet mud and boggy ground
- Somewhere sheltered from cold, drying winds
Does it spread?
Slowly. It sends out surface runners that root about 30 cm from the parent plant, building up a patch over time.
Is it good for wildlife?
Waterside Nursery says it attracts bees, butterflies, hoverflies and dragonflies. Koi and ducks may eat it.
Which size should I buy?
Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.
