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Map Satellite Zuma Canyon is one of the two main coastal canyons in the Santa Monica Mountains that remain in a natural state, and it is one of the few that sustain a perennial stream. The upper dry ridges support coastal sage scrub communities with such species as California sagebrush, Artemisia californica, white and black sage, Salvia apiana and Salvia mellifera as well as Salvia leucophylla, California buckwheat, Eriogonum fasciculatum, and lemonadeberry, Rhus integrifolia. This community blends into the chaparral on the steeper slopes. Chaparral here includes scrub oak, Quercus sp., chamise, Adenostoma fasciculatum, toyon, Heteromeles arbutifolia, and coffeeberry, Rhamnus californica. Along the stream course is a riparian community with live oak, Quercus agrifolia, and sycamore, Platanus racemosa. The rare Pentachaeta lyonii occurs in the area. There is an abundant fauna. Mountain lions, Felis concolor, have been sighted in the canyon. Integrity: Virtually undisturbed, though development is pending in the lower reaches. Use: Private December 1975
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2008 Steven Louis Hartman
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