Eriodictyon parryi or poodle-dog bush is a tall California mountain shrub with showy purple flowers, which is notable for secreting a severe skin irritant.

It grows into a moderate size, perennial woody shrub, branching from the base but with main stems extending for up to 2 meters.

The yerba santa species are not skin irritants and not as specialized for growth in disturbed habitats such as burn areas.

Therefore in many cases, E. parryi can be distinguished from yerba santa based on where it grows: in the southern part of the state, in recently disturbed areas.

Although both plants can grow to be as tall as a person, E. trichocalyx tends to a much smaller stature at the higher elevations; rare, large plants at these elevations tend to be old and woody, and may have a large, tree-like trunk at their base and a great deal of dead wood and twigs.

[3] It thrives in areas of yellow pine forest that have been recently disturbed by fire or landslides, where it helps to prevent erosion and can cover burned hillsides with attractive color.

[5] Its seeds can then remain dormant in soil for long periods, with the plant springing back up quickly at the next disturbance.

[7] Like many species in the forget-me-not family, poodle-dog bush causes severe irritation if touched, akin to poison oak.

[8] The allergic contact dermatitis is due to prenylated phenolics exuded by hairs (glandular trichomes) of the plant.

Topical anaesthetics should be chosen carefully because some types such as benzocaine may worsen the reaction; better drugs are lidocaine and pramoxine (brand names Sarna Sensitive and Itch-X).