1. * Rubber Rabbitbush – Ericameria nauseosa (formerly Chrysothamnus nauseosus)
(air-ee-cam-AIR-ee-uh (kris-oh THAM-nus) naw-see-OH-suh)
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
Native to: Much of western Northern America. Locally in foothills of the San Gabriels and Mojave
Desert; usually in sunny, open sites in a diverse range of habitats.
Growth characteristics: woody sub-shrub mature height: 2-5+ ft. mature width: 3-5 ft.
Woody shrub or sub-shrub with many branches and a mounded shape. Stems primarily upright,
may be covered with dense white hairs. Leaves small, leathery, medium green to gray-green.
Foliage aromatic – somewhat like sunflower, though some find it disagreeable.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in late summer or fall for 2-3 weeks. Plant is literally covered with bright
yellow blooms in mounded clusters. Individual flowers are somewhat like those of Mulefat or
Bricklebush. Extremely showy in bloom – a real traffic stopper! Fluffy seeds.
Uses in the garden: Most often used as a water-wise shrub in gardens throughout the Southwest.
Excellent choice for a habitat garden. Can be trimmed as a hedge. Great for slopes and other
‘difficult to water’ places. Flowers make an unparalleled yellow dye. Plant used extensively as a
medicinal for respiratory complaints, bacterial infections. Plant produces rubber latex.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native shrubs.
Attracts: Excellent habitat plant. Flowers attract and wide range of pollinators including, flies,
bees, butterflies, beetles and others. Birds eat seeds. Shrub provides shelter for small creatures.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun
Soil Just about any soil. Tolerates clays, high pH (> 8.0) and salty soils.
Water Very drought tolerant once established (Zone 1-2 to 2). Occasional late summer
water promotes good flowering.
Fertilizer None – likes poor soils.
Other
Management: Prune to about 6 inches (or just above woody part of stem) in fall after blooming.
Propagation: from seed: in winter/early spring. Keep wet to germinate. by cuttings: probably
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 6, 10, 13, 16 6/21/10
* Native to CA but not to Western L.A. Co. © Project SOUND