Glossary

A subshrub is a plant that has a woody base but produces soft, herbaceous stems that may die back seasonally. Unlike full shrubs, which are entirely woody and persistent year-round, subshrubs maintain a low-growing form and often regrow from the woody base each spring.

They are sometimes referred to as “semi-woody” plants and are common in Mediterranean and chaparral climates, where seasonal stress (like summer drought or winter cold) causes partial dieback.

Key Characteristics:

• Woody base with non-woody or semi-woody upper growth
• Often dies back partially in winter, resprouting in spring
• Typically low-growing, forming mounds or mats
• Found in dry, fire-adapted ecosystems like chaparral or coastal scrub

Examples (Santa Cruz Mountains natives):

• Hummingbird Flower, Epilobium canum
• Black Sage, Salvia mellifera
• Coyote Mint, Monardella villosa

Subshrubs are important in native landscapes for their resilience, pollinator support, and ability to thrive in poor or rocky soils. Many are also firewise choices due to their low growth habit and limited woody fuel load.