Adenostoma sparsifolium

Adenostoma sparsifolium, commonly known as redshanks or less commonly (outside of area of its principal distribution), ribbonwood or ribbon bush, is a multi-trunked tree or shrub native to dry slopes or chaparral of Southern California and northern Baja California.

Shaggy falling shanks or ribbons of bark are one of the strongest characteristics of the Adenostoma sparsifolium tree, hence the common names. It also has many stems originating from one root system that lack foliage until they reach a certain height above the ground. It can range from a shrubs to small multi trunked trees. As the species name "sparsifolium" suggests, it has tiny, pale green, filamentous leaves. Adenostoma sparsifolium usually ranges from 3 to 15 feet with some individuals reaching up to 20 feet. Redshanks are closely related to the more abundant Chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum). Produces numerous small white flowers and its fruit is an achene.^[2][3]The earliest recorded collection of this species occurred in 1846 near Warner’s Ranch in San Diego County.^[2]

Redshanks inhabits higher elevations of chaparral just above and below the snowline in the Peninsular Ranges and does best on north-facing "ubac" slopes at around 4,000 feet of elevation. Associates at its lower range include California Scrub Oak and Hoary Ceanothus, and mingles with manzanitas at its upper range.

Like its relative, chamise, it is capable of resprouting after a fire. However, even though the individual Adenostoma sparsifolium pants are resistant to fires, the seeds they produce are poorly adapted to survive them. This is due to the seeds getting destroyed by the heat itself and the fact that redshanks do not germinate well after a fire. Even if the seeds do survive, it is rare that they successfully establish themselves. Many die in the 4 to 9 month dry season typical of mediterranean climates. Additionally, self pollination causes genetic issues for the species. Such as, embryo and endosperm abortion, inbreeding depression, and loss of reproductive fitness. In populations found in the eastern Santa Monica Mountains the embryonic/endosperm abortion rate reaches 97–99%. All these factors are contributing to the overall population decline of Adenostoma sparsifolium.^[4]

The root systems of Adenostoma sparsifolium are also very resilient to fires. It was found that overall root density was not affected by fires. In fact, directly after fires fine root density actually increases. However, part of this is likely due to California's wet and dry seasons. With summers being dry and fire prone, and winters being more rainy and wet. This increased root density is hypothesized to result from Increases soil nutrients (from ash), stored carbohydrates in roots, and the wet season that follows many of the fires that happen.^[5]

• Ribbonwood, California

• Blanchan, Neltje (2005). Wild Flowers Worth Knowing. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.
• Schoenherr, Allan A. (1992). A Natural History of California. University of California Press.

Media related to Adenostoma sparsifolium at Wikimedia Commons

Data related to Adenostoma sparsifolium at Wikispecies

• Jepson Manual Treatment — Adenostoma sparsifolium
• Adenostoma sparsifolium Ecology
• Adenostoma sparsifolium Photo gallery