Field Guide to Coastal Sage Scrub and Chaparral Series of Los Padres National Forest

Describes commonly occurring series (dominant overstory taxon) in chaparral, in coastal sage scrub, and in several forest types that frequently grow intermixed with chaparral in Los Padres NF. Sampling along gradients that combine elevation and aspect (slope exposure). 979 circular 0.025-acre (100 m2) plots, of which 158 were in the Monterey Ranger District (Santa Lucias). Mid and late seral stands, in which there had been no fire for at least 25 years, were sampled. Maps of chaparral and coastal sage scrub in the MRD and Santa Lucias. Classification and key to series. Isoline diagrams for each series showing cover of each species in relationship to elevation and solar insolation. Description of associate taxa, environmental settings, and soils to each series.