[3] Eriodictyon californicum is an evergreen aromatic shrub with woody rhizomes, typically found in clonal stands growing to a height of 3 to 4 feet (0.91 to 1.22 m).

[1] It is native to California and Oregon, where it grows in several types of habitats, including chaparral and coast redwood forests.

It is the primary nectar source for variable checkerspot butterflies in the Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve in California.

[5] Eriodictyol is one of the 4 flavanones identified in this plant by the Symrise Corporation as having taste-modifying properties, the other three being: homoeriodictyol, its sodium salt and sterubin.

[8][9] The flavonoid sterubin is the main active component of Yerba santa and is neuroprotective against multiple toxicities of the aging brain, including possibly Alzheimer's disease.