Adenostoma fasciculatum (Chamise, Greasewood)

Photographs

My photos:

This photo is from Torrey Pines, in March.

More photos:

click photo to enlarge

Plant Information

Rosaceae

In the garden:

Chamise possesses a number of adaptations that enhance its flammability. These adaptations can result in intense, fast-spreading, potentially large fires which have an increased probability of occurring as a stand matures. Therefore it is not recommended for planting in a garden.

In the wild:

Chamise is an unarmed evergreen shrub, with resinous herbage. It has a well developed basal burl. It’s bark is reddish and becomes shreddy with age. It will reach between 2 and 10 feet tall. Leaves are small, linear, rigid, and dark green. Small white flowers appear in May and June. It is wind and drought tolerant. The foliage is pleasantly fragrant, especially after a rain. Its name originates from the fascicled (clustered) leaves. This plant is a major component of the chaparral. It is holds the soil on hillsides. After fires its crown sprouts back from the base.

Ethnobotany:

Native people used the wood in making arrows, as a building material, and for firewood. The resin was used for gum or glue. Flowers sell well in the wholesale florist market.

Field Trips
Anza Borrego Caspers Holy Jim Canyon Idyllwild
Joshua Tree Mt Palomar Rancho Santa Ana Torrey Pines

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