Anemopsis californica - Yerba Mansa, Apache Beads, Pond Marginal Plant

Anemopsis californica, known as yerba mansa or Apache beads, is a low marginal plant with large, aromatic green leaves that turn red in cold snaps and often all over in autumn. From June to August it carries a cone of tiny honey-scented flowers above white, petal-like bracts.

Yerba mansa at a glance

Botanical name	Anemopsis californica
Common name	Yerba mansa, Apache beads
Plant type	Low, spreading perennial; dies back in winter
Height and spread	About 30–45 cm tall, about 45 cm wide; spreads slowly by runners
Flowers	White cone of tiny honey-scented flowers above white petal-like bracts, June to August
Position	Full sun or part shade
Soil	Permanently moist to wet, neutral to alkaline soil
Pond depth	0–10 cm of water over the crown
Hardiness	RHS H6 – hardy in a very cold winter (-20 to -15°C)
Native to	South-west USA and Mexico (not UK native)

Where to plant yerba mansa

The shallow edge of a pond, up to 10 cm deep
Wet mud and boggy ground
Somewhere sheltered from cold, drying winds

Does it spread?

Slowly. It sends out surface runners that root about 30 cm from the parent plant, building up a patch over time.

Is it good for wildlife?

Waterside Nursery says it attracts bees, butterflies, hoverflies and dragonflies. Koi and ducks may eat it.

Which size should I buy?

Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.