A 1-3m tall chaparral overwhelmingly dominated by chamise. Associated species contribute little to cover. Adapted to repeated fires by stump sprouting. Mature stands are densely interwoven with very little herbaceous understory or litter.
SITE FACTORS:
Similar to Upper Sonoran Mixed Chaparrals (37100), but on shallower, drier soils or at somewhat lower elevations. Often on xeric slopes and ridges, with adjacent more mesic sites mantled by Upper Sonoran Mixed Chaparrals.
DISTRIBUTION:
General distribution similar to Northern Mixed Chaparral (37110) but relatively infrequent in the north compared to its abundance in the south. The predominant chaparral type in Ventura, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, and San Diego counties.
UPDATE: 10/86
Source: Holland, 1986
Digital Text: NatureBase