Glossary

scrub ecosystem

Low-growing, woody shrubs characterize the plant communities, as well as scattered herbaceous plants typically found in dry, nutrient-poor soils with seasonal drought and high levels of sun exposure.

Scrub ecosystems are often transitional zones between grasslands, woodlands, and chaparrals and may occur on slopes, ridges, or sandy soils.

In the Santa Cruz Mountains, scrub habitats commonly include species like:

  • California Sagebrush, Artemisia californica
  • Coyote Brush, Baccharis pilularis
  • California Buckwheat, Eriogonum fasciculatum
  • Black Sage, Salvia mellifera

These ecosystems support high biodiversity, providing food, cover, and nesting habitat for pollinators, small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Fire and drought-adapted scrub species often resprout after disturbance, contributing to ecological resilience in fire-prone landscapes.

Scrub ecosystems are essential for maintaining native biodiversity. They are particularly valuable in the restoration of degraded slopes, pollinator pathways, and wildlife corridors.

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