SafePlants

Ericameria nauseosa: Chamisa, Rubber Rabbitbrush, Gray Rabbitbrush

Ericameria nauseosa, commonly known as Chamisa, rubber rabbitbrush, and gray rabbitbrush, is a shrub native to North America. It's often found in the western United States.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant is described as having flexible branches covered with felt-like hairiness, which might be attractive to some animals.

Considerations for Children

• The plant is described as having flexible branches covered with felt-like hairiness, which might be attractive to some children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Ericameria nauseosa
• Common Names: Chamisa, rubber rabbitbrush, gray rabbitbrush, yellow rabbitbrush, green rabbitbrush
• Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family)
• Synonyms: Chrysothamnus nauseosus
• Subordinate Taxa: Ericameria nauseosa ssp. nauseosa var. nauseosa (Chrysothamnus nauseosa ssp. nauseosa var. nauseosa)
• Alternative Scientific Name: Chrysothamnus parryi (synonym for Ericameria parryi)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to North America, particularly the western United States and Mexico.
• Found in arid environments, including open plains, valleys, drainage ways, foothills, and mountains.
• Common in the shrub-steppe of the Lower Valley.
• Typically grows in poor, dry soils.

Ecological Role

• Provides cover and nesting habitat for sage-grouse.
• Browsed by large game.
• Mentioned as being reduced by 2,4-D application, implying it can be abundant.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• An erect shrub, branching from near the base.
• Rounded crown.
• Typically grows 1 to 3 feet tall.
• Blooms in early fall with clusters of deep yellow flowers.
• Aromatic, blue-green-grey, feathery foliage.
• Flexible branches covered with felt-like hairiness.
• Deciduous

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Honey bees forage for pollen from rabbitbrush.
• It is not a major food source for animals, but it will be eaten when other sources are scarce.

Quirky Facts

• The Navajo and Hopi Indians prize the plant so much that Living Libations makes a Rabbit Brush Essential Oil.

Further Information

• USDA NRCS Plant Guide
• Encyclopedia.com
• Lewis and Clark Herbarium/Academy of Natural Sciences
• PlantTalk Colorado