Yerba Mansa Plant Care

Yerba Mansa (Anemopsis californica) belongs to the Saururaceae family within the Anemopsis genus. Yerba Mansa is also known as Swamp Root, California Pepperleaf.

Yerba Mansa displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Yerba Mansa produces small white flowers in dense spikes.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Yerba Mansa every 3–5 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Yerba Mansa thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Yerba Mansa in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Anemopsis californica tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Yerba Mansa prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Moist, acidic soil with good organic content and high water retention. Good drainage is essential for Yerba Mansa to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Yerba Mansa every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial to full shade and moist, acidic soil with good organic content and high water retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Yerba Mansa is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Yerba Mansa can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Yerba Mansa while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Yerba Mansa is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Yerba Mansa can be propagated through division, seeds.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Yerba Mansa is susceptible to slugs, snails, aphids. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Yerba Mansa grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Yerba Mansa as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.