Chamise, flowering © Walt Anderson

shrub

Description An erect evergreen shrub with alternating clusters of tiny needlelike leaves and large basal burl.
Height: 2—12’ (0.6—3.6 m).
Leaves: evergreen; in bundles or less often single and alternate; to 3/8” (1 cm) long, pointed, stiff, smooth, numerous.
Bark: reddish, nearly smooth on twigs but becoming shreddy with age.
Flowers: tiny, white or rarely pinkish, in dense panicles 1 1/2—4” (3.8—10 cm) long at ends of branchlets; petals 5, sepals 5, persistent, united at base to form cuplike calyx; stamens 10—15, with clusters of 2—3 alternating with petals; May—June.

Habitat Dry, rocky slopes and ridges among chaparral.

Range N. California to Baja California west of the deserts.

Discussion This is the dominant chaparral plant throughout most of California, often forming pure, impenetrable stands. Also known as Greasewood, the shrub contains highly flammable resins, which cause it to burn rapidly when ignited. Following a fire, Chamise sprouts rapidly from its basal burl (root crown) and soon outgrows most competitors. Chamise further reduces competition by releasing toxins into the soil that inhibit or prevent the growth of most other plants. Its principal value to wildlife lies in providing cover, for the tough, resinous foliage is unpalatable. Chamise becomes dormant during the hottest, driest period of summer, and sheds both branches and bark in an effort to reduce the amount of tissue requiring moisture. These sloughed materials then serve as fuel for the next fire.