Chaparral

"In our bones we need the natural curves of hills, the scent of chaparral, the whisper of pines, the possibility of wilderness"

-Richard Louv

Chaparral communities come in many different forms!

These include: redshank chaparral, scrub oak chaparral, montane chaparral, Ceanothus chaparral, chamise chaparral, and mixed chaparral. Chaparral is characterized by drought tolerant shrubs and herbs. Most of the plants here have sclerophyllous leaves- meaning the leaves are tough and thick to protect the plant during the hot, dry summers. Chaparral communities form along steep slopes with soil that is coarse and very nutrient poor. You know you are in a chaparral community when the vegetation is too dense for you to even walk through!

Chaparral ecosystems exist in Mediterranean climate- meaning they undergo dry, hot summers and mild, wet winters. The chaparral sees about 15 inches of rainfall a year. Additionally, these ecosystems are adapted to periodic fire events (every few decades) and many species rely on fires for seed germination. The fire regime helps maintain the high levels of biodiversity that chaparral communities boast. Over 50 species of mammals can be found here!

Coastal Sage Scrub

Coastal sage scrub or "soft chaparral" communities can usually be found occurring together with chaparral.

You know you are in a coastal sage scrub because the shrubs are low to medium in height and you can actually walk through the vegetation, unlike chaparral communities. Another key difference between the two is that coastal sage scrub tends to grow in areas that have lower levels of soil moisture. The plant community is characterized by drought-deciduous leaves- meaning that they shed their leaves during periods of drought. Additionally, the plants have deep root systems that allow them to tap into deeper sources of water, in this way they can persist in soils with low moisture.

Coastal sage scrub has a Mediterranean climate and sees about 10-20 inches of rainfall a year. This community is also adapted to periodic, low intensity fires (approximately every 30-100 years) which help shape the species composition of the area. Coastal sage scrub is a unique habitat that hosts a variety of endemic species, such as the Quino checkerspot butterfly. Here, you can find the highest richness of native bees in the Unites States!

Where can you find Cismontane Ecosystems?

Cismontane means "on this side of the mountain"

Cismontane ecosystems can be found in the Mediterranean biome of California on the coastal side of our mountain ranges. They are dominant along Southern California's coast at elevations below 5,000 feet. Chaparral ecosystems are common throughout the California Coast Ranges and cover around 3.4 million hectares of land. Coastal sage scrub is found primarily at elevations below 2,500 feet, often in south facing slopes. The maps above show the entire distribution of these ecosystems in California.

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