Adenostoma fasciculatum Hook. & Arn.
Chamise, Common chamise, Greasewood
Rosaceae (Rose Family)
An erect evergreen shrub with alternating clusters of tiny needlelike leaves and large basal burl. 6-10 ft., wide-spreading shrub, with small, linear leaves and reddish bark becoming shreddy with age. Tiny, tubular, white flowers are grouped in showy, terminal clusters.
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. 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.
No images of this plant
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Yellow
Bloom Time: Feb , Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul
Bloom Notes: White with pale yellow stamens.
Distribution
USA: CA , NV
Native Distribution: Coast Ranges in CA from Mendocino Co. s.; also foothills of Sierra Nevada
Native Habitat: Dry slopes & ridges; chaparral & mesas below 5,000 ft.
USDA Native Status: L48(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Heat Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Well-drained sand, clay or gravel.
Conditions Comments: Used as a screen or windbreak and as erosion control. This
shrub can constitute an extreme fire hazard. Fire resistance is enhanced with a once/month, indirect watering.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Can be hedged.
Use Wildlife: Its principal value to wildlife lies in providing cover, for the tough, resinous foliage is unpalatable.
Interesting Foliage: yes
Fragrant Foliage: yes
Last Update: 2009-02-20
