A low, fairly penetrable scrub of soft-wooded, summer-dormant, drought-tolerant shrubs. Dominance varies among sites, but usually includes Ericameria linearifolia, Eriogonum fasciculatum polifolium, Isomeris arborea arborea, or Ephedra californica, with many annuals derived from nearby grasslands filling the spaces between the shrubs.
SITE FACTORS:
Usually of fairly well drained soils derived from sandstone, shale, or even sterile white diatomaceous deposits. Intergrades at lower elevations with Blue Oak (71140) or Alvord Oak Woodland (71170), Diablan Sage Scrub (32600), or some chaparrals (37000). Particularly sandy sites support Monvero Residual Dunes (23300).
DISTRIBUTION:
Arid hills surrounding the southern and western San Joaquin Valley, from the Adobe Hills (northwest of Bakersfield) across the Tehachipi and San Emigdio ranges and north along the rainshadow of the Inner South Coast Ranges to Alameda County.
UPDATE: 10/86
Source: Holland, 1986
Digital Text: NatureBase