| Adenostoma sparsifolium | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Adenostoma |
| Species: | A. sparsifolium |
| Binomial name | |
| Adenostoma sparsifolium | |
Adenostoma sparsifolium, commonly known asredshanks or less commonly (outside of area of its principal distribution),ribbonwood orribbon bush, is a multi-trunked tree or shrub native to dry slopes orchaparral ofSouthern California and northernBaja California.
Shaggy falling shanks or ribbons of bark are one of the strongest characteristics of theAdenostoma sparsifolium tree, hence the common names. As the species name "sparsifolium" suggests, it has tiny, filamentous leaves. Redshanks are closely related to the more abundantChamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum).
Redshanks inhabits higher elevations of chaparral just above and below the snowline in thePeninsular Ranges and does best on north-facing "ubac" slopes at around 4,000 feet of elevation. Associates at its lower range includeCalifornia Scrub Oak andHoary Ceanothus, and mingles withmanzanitas at its upper range.
Like its relative, chamise, it is capable of resprouting after a fire.
Media related toAdenostoma sparsifolium at Wikimedia Commons
Data related toAdenostoma sparsifolium at Wikispecies
