This shrubby plant community is found just along the coast, in a narrow strip from southern Oregon to San Mateo County, and in Monterey County from Pacific Grove to Point Sur. It features shrub species growing tightly together with a weakly developed understory. The dense plant growth helps the whole community to conserve moisture to survive the dry summer and also provides cover for many small animals.

Plants display various adaptations to their harsh conditions, to minimize moisture loss and reduce exposure to sun:

• Deciduous in dry weather – coast sagebrush, poison oak, bracken fern
• Gray foliage to reflect sunlight – coast sagebrush, California everlasting
• Waxy or oily coating on leaves – coyote brush, Ceanothus, poison oak
• Fine hairs on leaves, reflecting sunlight – lizard tail, California everlasting
• Relatively small leaf area – most species