SafePlants

Yellow Rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus)

Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, commonly known as yellow rabbitbrush or green rabbitbrush, is a shrub species belonging to the daisy family (Asteraceae).

Considerations for Pets

• This plant has sticky foliage and flowers, which might be a consideration.

Considerations for Children

• This plant has sticky foliage and flowers, which might be a consideration.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (Hook.) Nutt.
• Common Names: Yellow rabbitbrush, green rabbitbrush, stickyleaf rabbitbrush, Douglas rabbitbrush, low rabbitbrush.
• Family: Asteraceae (or Compositae)
• Synonyms: Bigelovia douglasii, Ericameria viscidiflora.
• Subspecies: Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus variety viscidiflorus (Sticky Rabbitbrush)

Distribution and Habitat

• Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus is native to North America.
• It is commonly found east of the Cascade Mountains of Oregon and Washington.
• Observed locations include Blue Ridge Summit and Pine Mountain.
• It's a prolific plant, as seen in Utah.

Morphological Characteristics

• It's an erect, branching shrub, typically branching from near the base.
• It grows to be two to six feet wide and two to four feet tall.
• The leaves are small and sometimes spiraled.
• It blooms in late summer to fall with an abundance of tiny, conical, golden-yellow flowers clustered into rounded groups.
• The foliage and flowers are noted as sticky to the touch.
• Yellow Twig rabbit brush provides fall and winter interest in xeric landscapes.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Yellow rabbitbrush is browsed by large game.
• It provides cover and nesting habitat for sage-grouse.
• Honey bees are observed foraging pollen from rabbitbrush.
• Coronis Fritillary (Speyeria coronis) butterflies are known to visit yellow rabbitbrush.

Quirky Facts

• American Indians used this plant to make chewing gum, tea, cough syrup, and yellow dye.

Further Resources

• Discover Life offers information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus.
• Bugwood.org
• Garden Guides provides plant information, identification information, and uses.