Grasslands also provide shelter and nest sites for wildlife species. Such soils are extremely high in exchangeable magnesium and low in exchangeable calcium. In addition, many of these areas have rock outcroppings and thin soil. Therefore, although these areas support most of the nonvascular plant species common in nonserpentine grasslands, many of these species perform poorly on serpentine soils. Reduced competition from invasive species have allowed bunchgrass and other native species to grow better in serpentine areas.
Some plant species occur only in serpentine areas.
Diablan sage scrub Diablan sage scrub is a common plant community on the eastern side of the Mount Hamilton Range. It is usually found growing on dry, steep, south-facing slopes. Herbaceous plants do not grow well in this community. Mammals include California Ground Squirrels and Coyotes. Black-Tailed Deer use the scrub habitat for cover, and venture out into adjacent nonnative grassland or serpentine grassland areas for foraging.