If you visit the courtyard at Raincatcher’s Garden, you will most likely
notice a huge plant with heart shaped, velvety leaves in the northwest corner
of our herb garden. The plant is Hoja Santa (pronounced O-hah SAN-tah)
and it is native to Mexico and South America. The name Hoja Santa means
sacred leaf in Spanish.
I have also heard this plant referred to as Root Beer Plant. The unusual flavor of this herbaceous perennial has been compared to licorice, mint, tarragon and eucalyptus. It has a strong aroma and flavor of
sassafras (hence the name Root Beer Plant). It is often used in Mexican
cuisine like tamales, soups, stews and sauces.
Hoja Santa does best in morning sun and afternoon shade. It grows 8-10 feet
tall and 6-8 feet wide. It flowers white, cylindrical spikes all summer.
Hoja Santa makes a nice addition to an herb garden or as an ornamental
plant in the back of a perennial garden but be aware that it spreads quickly
by sending out many runners. Growing it in a very large container or
galvanized tub would solve this problem!
Jackie James
Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 1993
DALLAS GARDEN BUZZ 
Interesting post! Thx.
Does anyone know where to purchase scented geraniums in Dallas? Or anywhere else?? Thx
Love the article! Made me think of our view of the gardens outside of El Monumento in Georgetown where we saw lots of Hoja Santo growing.
I love Jackie’s articles: concise, interesting, makes you look forward to more. Ellen Botello