Rubber rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa) provides year-round visual interest in waterwise and pollinator gardens. This medium-sized shrub is a member of the Sunflower family and thrives in dry regions of the Western US. “Rubber” refers to the plant’s sap and “nauseosa” is a nod to its pungent scent. The plant is also sometimes called chamisa.
Rubber rabbitbrush blooms from summer into fall. The tubular flowers are golden-yellow in color. They are attractive to butterflies, bees, and other late season pollinators. Even when not in bloom, the blue-green, needlelike leaves and pale stems add color to the landscape.
Rubber rabbitbrush is a low moisture plant that likes full sun and sandy, well-draining soil. It’s a low maintenance shrub that can be used in soil stabilization and restoration applications. It normally grows to about 5 ft in height although some plants can reach 9 ft tall. Winter pruning shapes rubber rabbitbrush and encourages next year’s blooms.