Chamise
Adenostoma fasciculatum
Chamise is a large evergreen shrub, growing up to 4 meters tall. This plant’s tall branches are covered with thick, stiff bark, which is gray-brown in color. The dry, stick-like branches sprout clusters of small pointed leaves. The dark green leaves are 4-10 mm long and shine with flammable oils. The flowers of this plant bloom on the end of the branches. The bunches of white tubular flowers have 5 petals with long pollen-bearing stamens. The flowers are small, only 5 mm in diameter.
Basic Information
Member of the Rosacae (Rose) family
Shrub
There are three varieties of this plant, however, not everyone considers them distinct:
Adenostoma fasciculatum var. fasciculatum — found throughout the range of the species.
Adenostoma fasciculatum var. obtusifolium — found only in San Diego and Orange Counties
Adenostoma fasciculatum var. prostratum — a low-growing form found primarily on the northern Channel Islands
Habitat
Native to California and northern Baja California
Commonly found in chaparral ecosystems
One of the most iconic and notable plants of the chaparral ecosystem
Ecological Role
This plant is especially fire resistant
Chamise produces a specialized tough root bundle underground, known as a burl, that allows it to resprout after fire has burned its stems
One of the best plants for preventing erosion as it has wide, deep roots
Host plant for a common root parasite, Chaparral Broomrape
Reproduction
Blooms from April to June
Alternative Names
Common Chamise, Greasewood
In Ko'alh the plant was called iipsi
In Kumiai the plant was called: iipshi, i.ipshí, ipxi
In Spanish the plant was called:: chamizo, chamizo negro,chamizo prieto, yerba del pasma
In Tiipai the plant was called:: iy pshii
In Tongva the plant was called: huutah
Historical Uses
Numerous tribes, including the Luiseno, Cahuilla, and Ohlone, used this plant to make arrows
The branches were used as shafts and the sap to make gun to secure the arrowheads
Tribes such as the Cahuilla, Ohlone, and the Diegueno used the roots and branches for firewood and torches
The Cahuilla used a decoction of leaves and branches to bathe infected, sore or swollen areas of the body
