Scientific Name: Chrysothamnus nauseous var. nauseous Synonyms: Ericameria nauseosa
Common Name: Rabbit Brush (Grey Rabbitbrush, Rubber Rabbitbrush, Chamisa)
Family: Asteraceae
Habit: Evergreen Shrub (deciduous in colder zones)
Growth Form: Erect, slender stems. Twigs grayish to yellow. Leaves alternate, simple, linear, often greyish-green, woolly.
Mature Size: Height: 7'
Flowers: Golden-yellow, pungent-smelling. Blooming Season: July-October
Hardiness: Zone 3
Sun Requirements: Full Sun
Water Requirements: Drought resistant, has a deep taproot and little to no supplemental water required. If watered in the landscape, the plant can become rank, floppy and unattractive.
Soil Requirements: Loamy, sandy, gravelly or heavy clay soils that are slightly acidic, slight to strongly basic, or saline.
Other Info: Native to Oregon. When twigs are cut they exude a milky latex that contains chrysil, a high grade rubber which vulcanizes easily. Best with no maintenance except yearly shearing. nauseosus: disagreeable flavor or odor.