Alternate name: Chamisa

Family: Asteraceae, Aster view all from this family

Description Rabbitbrush is a 2-5 ft., deciduous shrub with aromatic, blue-green, feathery foliage and dense clusters of bright-yellow, fuzzy flowers. When grown in well-drained soil it takes on a soft, mounded form. Wiry, white stems and dry seed heads create winter interest.

Warning Rabbitbrush has caused poisoning in livestock that have eaten it. Humans should generally avoid ingesting any plant that is toxic to animals.

Habitat Dry grasslands, badlands, salt flats, and foothills.

Range Saskatchewan south to uplands of w. Texas and New Mexico.

Discussion Cutting back in the winter will create a thick, bushy plant. Though rabbitbrush is good for stabilizing open, waste places, it is considered a poisonous "weed" on rangelands. Cool summers are a necessity. Unlike most native species, rabbitbrush flowers first at high elevations and last on lower slopes.

Comments Cutting back in the winter will create a thick, bushy plant. Though rabbit brush is good for stabilizing open, waste places, it is considered a poisonous "weed" on rangelands. Cool summers are a necessity. Unlike most native species, rabbit brush flowers first at high elevations and last on lower slopes.

Exposure Preference Sun.

Flower August - October

Native Distribution Saskatchewan to s. British Columbia, s. to uplands of w. Texas & Baja California; rarely w. of the Cascades

Site Preference Dry grasslands, badlands, salt flats & foothills

Soil Preference Clay-alkaline soils.