About Eriodictyon trichocalyx A.Heller
Eriodictyon trichocalyx is an erect shrub that grows to roughly 2 meters tall. Its leaves are lance-shaped to oval, reaching up to 14 centimeters long, and range from hairless and resinous to densely woolly. The plant produces an inflorescence made up of clusters of bell-shaped flowers that are white to light purple in color. Plants growing at higher elevations tend to be much smaller, and often have a thin, scraggly appearance. Rare large plants at these elevations are typically old and woody; they may develop a thick, tree-like trunk at their base, and hold a large amount of dead wood and twigs.
This species is native to Southern California and Baja California, where it grows in multiple habitat types including chaparral and grassland. It is similar in appearance to Eriodictyon crassifolium, and the two species grow in some of the same areas.
The Cahuilla people of California used this plant to treat coughs, colds, sore throats, asthma, tuberculosis, and catarrh. They also used it as a liniment and a poultice. Additionally, the Cahuilla used it for tea baths to relieve rheumatism, tired limbs, fevers, and sores. The Chumash people used this plant as a liniment for the feet and chest.
