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Anderson, Wynn

Ericameria nauseosa ssp. nauseosa var. nauseosa

Ericameria nauseosa (Pall. ex Pursh) G.L. Nesom & Baird ssp. nauseosa var. nauseosa

Rubber Rabbitbrush, Rabbitbrush

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

Synonym(s): Chrysothamnus frigidus, Chrysothamnus nauseosus, Chrysothamnus nauseosus var. nauseosus, Chrysothamnus nauseosus var. typicus

USDA Symbol: ernan5

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

Accepted name for this taxon under ICN rules is Ericameria nauseosa var. nauseosa. Rabbitbrush is a 2-5 ft., deciduous shrub with aromatic, blue-green, feathery foliage and dense clusters of bright-yellow, fuzzy flowers. When grown in well-drained soil it takes on a soft, mounded form. Wiry, white stems and dry seed heads create winter interest.

Cutting back in the winter will create a thick, bushy plant. Though rabbitbrush is good for stabilizing open, waste places, it is considered a poisonous "weed" on rangelands. Cool summers are a necessity. Unlike most native species, rabbitbrush flowers first at high elevations and last on lower slopes.

From the Image Gallery

33 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Leaf: White-Gray
Flower:

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Jul , Aug

Distribution

USA: CO , MT , ND , NE , NM , OK , SD , TX , WY
Native Distribution: Saskatchewan south to uplands of w. Texas and New Mexico.
Native Habitat: Dry grasslands, badlands, salt flats, and foothills.

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Sun
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium

Benefit

Warning: Rabbitbrush has caused poisoning in livestock that have eaten it. Humans should generally avoid ingesting any plant that is toxic to animals.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Find Seed or Plants

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR

Additional resources

USDA: Find Ericameria nauseosa ssp. nauseosa var. nauseosa in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Ericameria nauseosa ssp. nauseosa var. nauseosa in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Ericameria nauseosa ssp. nauseosa var. nauseosa

Metadata

Record Modified: 2021-04-15
Research By: TWC Staff

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