These drought-adapted species develop deep root systems that not only help them survive long dry periods but also stabilize slopes and reduce erosion. Ideal for low-water gardens and fire-wise landscapes, chaparral plantings work well with non-flammable ground materials like rock and gravel. Their natural resilience and structure make them a smart choice for slope-friendly defensible-space planting.
Chaparral
Tips for chaparral gardening
• Site in places that have full sun, good drainage, and no established plants that need regular water.
• Mulch with light-colored inorganic materials, keeping plant roots cooler in sunny areas.
• Avoid fertilizer as chaparral plants are well adapted to working with mycorrhizae in the soil to slowly extract nutrients.
Keystone species for chaparral
Chaparral health depends on the presence of certain “keystone” plant and animal species. Using these native plants strengthens the ecosystem, as does providing the habitat needed by these birds and other animals.
Buckbrush (Ceanothus cuneatus) is a beautiful blue-flowering tree, shrub or ground cover supports over 120 species of butterflies and moths, as well as attracting birds.
Buckwheat (Eriogonum spp.) Depending on location, California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum) and sulphur buckwheat (Eriogonum umbellatum) are popular. This shrub blooms in fall when other shrubs have gone dormant and hosts 56 species of butterflies and moths.
- Coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis) is an insect “magnet” attracts predatory wasps, skippers and native butterflies.
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