Description

Chamise is a common member of chaparral plant communities throughout California. It grows as an upright open shrub with small leaves somewhat like rosemary in appearance and twisted shredding bark. The flowers appear in late spring, covering the plant with a cream white display. A stand of blooming chamise can appear covered with snow. The flowers are popular with many pollinators such as our native bees. Chamise is an adaptable shrub in the landscape as long as sun is provided and excess water avoided. Chamise is quite combustible, and show should be avoided where wildfires are a concern.