Sages and evergreen oaks are the dominant plants in North American chaparral areas that have an average yearly rainfall of about 500 to 750 mm (20 to 30 inches). Areas with less rainfall or poorer soil have fewer, more drought-resistant shrubs such as chemise and manzanita. Chaparral vegetation becomes extremely dry by late summer. The fires that commonly occur during this period are necessary for the germination of many shrub seeds and also serve to clear away dense ground cover, thus maintaining the shrubby growth form of the vegetation by preventing the spread of trees. Chaparral returns to its prefire density within about 10 years but may become grassland by too frequent burning.

Deer and birds usually inhabit chaparral only during the wet season (the growth period for most chaparral plants), and move northward or to a higher altitude as food becomes scarce during the dry season. Small, dull-colored animals such as lizards, rabbits, chipmunks, and quail are year-round residents. New chaparral growth provides good grazing for domestic livestock, and chaparral vegetation also is valuable for watershed protection in areas with steep, easily eroded slopes.

Temperature: 30 degrees to 100 degrees
Vegetation: broad-leaved evergreen shrubs, bushes, and small trees
Location: West coast of United States, and South America, Cape Town, South Africa, Western tip of Australia, coastal Mediterranean