Chaparral Habitat

Chaparral is California’s most common plant community, found in every county in the state. It is characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers (called a Mediterranean climate and found in only a few places on Earth). The average annual rainfall can vary between 9 and 30 inches, usually increasing with elevation. Most plants are dense, woody, evergreen shrubs with thick, leathery leaves to hold in moisture. Plants in this community are also adapted to dryseason fires, and the ability to regenerate from a stump after fire is a characteristic of chaparral plants. A noteworthy species that makes this habitat its home is the endangered Quino Checkerspot Butterfly.