sear

(used especially of vegetation) having lost all moisture

dried-up grass

the desert was edged with sere vegetation

cause to wither or parch from exposure to heat

The sun parched the earth

make very hot and dry

The heat scorched the countryside

burn slightly and superficially so as to affect color

The cook blackened the chicken breast

The fire charred the ceiling above the mantelpiece

become superficially burned

my eyebrows singed when I bent over the flames