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Rubber Rabbitbrush

Ericameria nauseosa

1 gallon

Rubber Rabbitbrush

Out of stock

Sizes:

Rubber Rabbitbrush — Ericameria nauseosa
Also known as: Gray Rabbitbrush; Chamisa
Synonym:

Rubber Rabbitbrush is one of those plants people often overlook - until it blooms. Native to the western United States, including both the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, it is commonly found growing in sandy washes, roadsides, disturbed areas, and open desert scrub. It typically grows 3–6 feet tall and wide, forming an upright shrub with narrow gray-green leaves covered in fine hairs that give the plant a soft, silvery appearance. The foliage has a distinctive scent when crushed, which is where the species name nauseosa comes from.

For much of the year, Rabbitbrush blends quietly into the background. But in late summer through fall, when many other plants have finished blooming, it absolutely lights up the landscape with masses of bright yellow flowers. Rubber Rabbitbrush thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, especially sandy or gravelly conditions. It is very drought tolerant once established and a low water user in the landscape. It is also highly adaptable and tolerant of tough conditions, including poor soils and disturbed sites. It is often one of the first plants to establish after disturbance, helping stabilize soil and support the early stages of habitat recovery. In the garden, it pairs beautifully with other desert shrubs and grasses, and its fall bloom makes it an important bridge for both seasonal color and habitat support.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: Documented host for moth species at the genus level (Ericameria), though species-specific associations for E. nauseosa are limited
Nectar Source: Native bees; butterflies; flies; wasps; other generalist pollinators - especially important as a late-season nectar source
Bird Resources: Seeds; Cover/Shelter; Insect Foraging Habitat
Bird Species: Frequently recommended for bird-friendly habitat gardens and noted to attract songbirds

Plant Care

Native region:

Local & Mojave Desert

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Mature size:

Growth rate:

Flower color:

Yellow

Flower season:

Fall

Pruning:

Cold Hardiness:

Nectar-producing:

Attracts pollinators:

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Bees:

Bats:

Birds:

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.