Gray Rubber Rabbitbrush

Ericamerica nauseosa (formerly Chrysothamnus nauseosus)

Asteraceae

• Keystone Plant
• Spokane Native
• Sun
• Size: 5' tall x 5’ wide
• Drought Tolerant: Yes
• Evergreen: No
• Flowers Color: Bright Golden Yellow (August-October)
• Wildlife Value: Critical late-season nectar source for butterflies and native bees; seeds eaten by birds; provides cover for jackrabbits and sage grouse; important winter browse for deer and elk when other forage is scarce

Gray Rubber Rabbitbrush is a vigorous native deciduous shrub growing 1-8 feet tall (typically 5 feet), with a rounded crown and multiple erect stems arising from the base. It thrives in full sun and is exceptionally drought-tolerant, making it ideal for xeric landscapes. This hardy species grows on dry, open plains, valley bottoms, foothills, and mountains throughout the arid western United States. It tolerates poor soils including sandy, gravelly, clay, and alkaline conditions, and often appears on disturbed sites as an early successional species.

The narrow, thread-like leaves are grayish-green and covered with dense, felt-like white hairs that give the plant its silvery appearance and help reduce water loss. The flexible, rubbery stems are yellowish-green and similarly hairy. From August through October, when most plants have finished blooming, the shrub becomes absolutely covered in dense, rounded clusters of brilliant golden-yellow tubular flowers at branch tips. These showy blooms are pleasantly fragrant to some (pineapple-like) and pungent to others (the species name 'nauseosa' refers to this). After flowering, fluffy white seed heads persist through winter, adding textural interest to the dormant landscape.

As a keystone species, Gray Rubber Rabbitbrush is ecologically invaluable as one of the few native plants providing abundant nectar for pollinators during late summer and fall when food sources are scarce. It attracts a wide array of butterflies, native bees, and other insects. Jackrabbits use it for shelter, and sage grouse utilize it for cover. During winter, it provides important browse for mule deer, elk, and pronghorn when other food is unavailable. Indigenous peoples and settlers used the plant extensively—Navajo people obtained yellow dye from the flowers, bark was used for making baskets and chewing gum, and the plant had various medicinal uses including treating coughs and chest pains. The latex in the sap was studied as a rubber source during World War II.

Perfect for pollinator gardens, restoration projects, erosion control, and naturalized areas. The spectacular late-season bloom provides essential color and wildlife value when summer flowers fade. Excellent companions include Big Sagebrush, native grasses, penstemon, and other xeric plants. Works beautifully in mass plantings or as specimens in low-water landscapes. Cut back to several inches in early spring before new growth to maintain compact form and encourage abundant flowering. Low-maintenance and deer-resistant once established, this plant is a cornerstone species for authentic high desert landscapes and critical for supporting pollinators in the Spokane region.