The Rubber Rabbitbrush

For several years, as I walked near Scotts Bluff National Monument, I couldn't help but notice a golden, globe-shaped shrub that burst into glorious bloom every September. I wasn't familiar with it, since it doesn't grow in eastern Nebraska, where I grew up, but it lines the fence along the path I walk, and grabs my attention every year about this time. So, last year, I took its picture and let my phone's plant-identifying app put a name to it.

Each oddly-named Rubber Rabbitbrush shrub is normally two to six feet tall and two to four feet across. I learned that it grows best in the dry, wide open spaces of the western United States, pollinating and blooming in late summer and early fall. Since Rabbitbrush pollen is a common trigger for allergy sufferers, it might be part of the reason for my fall allergies.

Rubber Rabbitbrush is fast growing, reaching maturity in less than four years, and having a 20 year lifespan. It thrives in full sun, tolerates perpetual wind, and is extremely drought-tolerant, requiring little or no water once it is well-established.

Its scientific name is Ericameria Nauseosa, but it is more commonly known as Chamisa, Chrysothamnus, Gray Rabbitbrush, and, or course, Rubber Rabbitbrush. The species name nauseosa refers to the smell given off when the leaves or flowers are crushed. Some people describe the smell as pineapple-like, while others find its odor offensively rubbery. The common name refers to the rubber content in the sap. Rabbits do not usually eat Rabbitbrush, so that part of the name probably refers to the animal's use of Rabbitbrush for cover.

Sometimes mistaken for Sagebrush, the perennial Rubber Rabbitbrush is a member of the Aster family. (Other plants in the Asteraceae family include lettuce, daisies, sunflowers, chrysanthemums, asters, dandelions, goldenrod, coneflowers, thistles, artichokes, dahlias, marigolds, zinnias, chamomile, chicory, sage, tarragon, ragweed, and yarrow.) Both Sagebrush and Rubber Rabbitbrush are medium-sized shrubs with gray, woolly hairs covering their leaves. However, Rabbitbrush lacks the strong sage odor of Sagebrush, and its magnificent golden blooms at summer’s end totally outshine Sagebrush’s modest blossoms.

According to my research, Rabbitbrush is hardy in zones four to nine, and is sometimes grown in people's yards. It is easily propagated from seeds or cuttings; container-grown Rabbitbrush transplants well. It is easy to care for, but it should be pruned in mid-spring to remove any winter-killed branches and shape the bush so it is ready to flower later in the growing season.

All species of Rabbitbrush are prolific seed producers and can be extremely invasive, particularly in disturbed areas such as abandoned homesteads or seeded rangeland. The fruits of the Rabbitbrush are achenes with small tufts of hairs attached. Each achene is a small, dry, one-seeded fruit that doesn't open to release its seed. The tuft of hair (or pappus) helps disperse the seed when the wind blows. Many of the fruits remain attached to the plant throughout the winter, though, providing food for birds, and giving the Rabbitbrush an interesting appearance in an otherwise dull, winter landscape.

Rubber Rabbitbrush produces small stems and seed stalks which remain on the plant for a year or more. During periods of drought, this dry, dead material may unfortunately contribute to the spread of wildfire.

Rubber Rabbitbrush has marginal value for livestock and, at times, it has even been reported to be toxic. However, it is an important browse species on depleted rangeland, and can be heavily used by wildlife during winter months, with its leaves, flowers, and seeds providing a food source for deer, antelope, elk, small mammals, and birds. The plant also provides cover for birds and small mammals  such as grouse and jackrabbits.

Historically, Native Americans used Rabbitbrush as fuel, dye, arrows, brooms, forage for animals, and medicine. The roots were boiled to make a strong concoction for treating toothaches, coughs, fevers, colds, diarrhea, and old internal injuries, and for easing menstrual cramps. The bark of the lower stem and roots was widely used as chewing gum.

Ceremonially, Rubber Rabbitbrush is still considered potent medicine to treat someone who has been attacked or possessed by an unwanted spirit. Shoshone tradition uses it to treat nightmares. It is noteworthy that many tribal members, who are familiar with its ceremonial use, will not speak of Rabbitbrush to outsiders.

So there you have it: everything you never wanted to know about the intriguing Rubber Rabbitbrush. I have no desire to use Rubber Rabbitbrush for anything at all, except to appreciate its beauty and importance in our arid ecosystem. I wonder why God thought it should be such a vibrant addition to our autumn landscape. After all, he could have made the flowers a dull brown or pale yellow, instead. But, in his wisdom, he has given us the Rubber Rabbitbrush's dazzling, golden blooms, and I, for one, am thankful.

  

Then God said, "Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds." And it was so. The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.

Genesis 1:11-12

"Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these."

Luke 12:27