The leaves of three chaparral shrubs were analyzed to compare their respective growth and maintenance costs as determined by metabolic pathway analysis (Heteromeles arbutifolia, an evergreen; Diplacus aurantiacus and Lepechnia calycina, both drought deciduous). These values are contrasted with previously published values determined by gas exchange methods. The growth and maintenance cost values from the two methods are similar. The values from the gas exchange approach are within the confidence limits of the average cost for the leaf life. During the first year of life, the leaves of the deciduous species are more costly to grow than are those of the evergreen H. arbutifolia although the growth cost of the deciduous leaves decreases significantly with leaf age. The leaves of D. aurantiacus are the most expensive and those of H. arbutifolia the cheapest to construct.