A significant portion of the UC Hopland Research & Extension Center is vegetated by what is referred to as the "Chaparral biome", or what many might call brushlands.   One of the most widespread plants in this biome is a shrub called Chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum). This evergreen shrub can grow in many nutrient-poor soil types and under very dry conditions.   With its tiny 1mm-wide leaves, the plant has one of the highest "leaf surface to air ratios" of any plant in the world.  This characteristic, along with dry matter that accumulates within the interior of the shrub, and in combination with oil-substances within, make it very flammable during most times of the year.

Where chaparral is dominated by chamise, the monotypic  brush stand can be referred to as chamissal. The plant recovers quickly after fires, which it is adapted to, by sending out new palatable (to deer) growth from the root crowns.  Currently, the chamise plants are in full bloom with bunches of small white flowers.