Anemopsis californica

RHS Plant Profile
Apache beads

Other common names

lizard tail, yerba mansa

Synonyms

Houttuynia californica

Bogs

Has large, green or grey-green leaves up to 20cm long, and spreads slowly by producing runners. Tiny, scented, white, pale yellow or greenish flowers are clustered into a cone, with ring of conspicuous white bracts around the base. Red tints appear in cold snaps and the whole plant can turn red in autumn

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Saururaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Anemopsis is a genus of just one species of clump-forming perennial suited to mountainous or woodland areas of Japan. It bears sharply-toothed or lobed leaves and loose panicles of lilac and violet flowers. Ideal for woodland or peat gardens and shady borders.
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
SW USA to Mexico

How to Grow

Cultivation

Needs a permanently moist soil, and will tolerate up to 10cm of water over the crown. Happy in sun or semi-shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed, by division or by separating rooted runners

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden

Pruning

Remove dead leaves and spent flowers as necessary

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free