Eriodictyon angustifolium

Eriodictyon angustifolium, commonly known as Narrowleaf Yerba Santa, is a resilient evergreen shrub native to western North America. Renowned for its aromatic, resinous leaves, this medicinal plant has long been utilized in traditional healing to treat respiratory ailments, soothe sore throats, and provide potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

  • Scientific name: Eriodictyon angustifolium
  • Family: Boraginaceae
  • Native range: Northern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized into the order Boraginales and the family Boraginaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Eriodictyon.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Boraginales WCVP
Family Boraginaceae WCVP
Genus Eriodictyon WCVP

Common Names

This plant, scientifically known as Eriodictyon angustifolium, is recognized by several different common names depending on the region and language. In Japanese, it is referred to by the common name ヤーバサンタ.
Language Common Name Source
ja ヤーバサンタ Wikidata

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across the arid regions of the Southwestern United States. Within this territory, it can be found growing in the states of Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah. Its range extends southward beyond the American border into the nation of Mexico. Specifically, it is located throughout the Northwest region of Mexico. This combined distribution highlights its preference for the unique landscapes of the southwestern North American continent.

Region Area Source
Southwestern U.S.A. Arizona WCVP
Southwestern U.S.A. California WCVP
Southwestern U.S.A. Nevada WCVP
Southwestern U.S.A. Utah WCVP
Mexico Mexico Northwest WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known scientifically as Eriodictyon angustifolium (commonly referred to as narrowleaf buckwheat), utilizes its leaves as a primary component in its medicinal profile. The leaves are characterized by their slender, elongated shape and a distinct texture that often feels slightly resinous or hairy to the touch. In traditional herbal practices, these leaves are frequently harvested and dried to be used in infusions or teas, where they serve as a source of various bioactive compounds valued for their soothing properties.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Eriodictyon angustifolium has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include homoeriodictyol, chrysoeriol, eriodictyol, hesperetin, sterubin.

Total chemicals
5
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
homoeriodictyol 2 ★☆☆☆☆
chrysoeriol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
eriodictyol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hesperetin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
sterubin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Eriodictyon angustifolium has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Astringent, Bitter.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Astringent 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Bitter 1 ★☆☆☆☆