Yellow Rabbitbrush
(Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus)
Yellow Rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus)
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Matt Lavin
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Matt Lavin
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Matt Lavin | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Matt Lavin | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2009-08-17T14:14:56-07:00 |
























Estimated Native Range
Summary
Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, commonly known as Yellow Rabbitbrush, is a deciduous shrub native to arid deserts, sagebrush steppe, and mountainous areas of the western United States and parts of Canada. It typically grows up to 5 feet tall and wide, with a rounded form. The plant has brittle, pale stems and narrow, sticky, resinous leaves that help conserve moisture. From late summer to fall, it produces abundant clusters of bright yellow flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The flowers give way to fluffy seed heads that persist into winter, providing visual interest and food for birds.
Yellow Rabbitbrush is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is also used in land reclamation projects due to its adaptability to disturbed habitats. In addition to its ecological benefits, Yellow Rabbitbrush is appreciated for its vibrant fall color and its role as a forage plant for wildlife, including deer and antelope. It prefers full sun and requires minimal maintenance once established. Gardeners should be aware that while it is not typically prone to diseases, it can become leggy if not pruned regularly.CC BY-SA 4.0
Yellow Rabbitbrush is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is also used in land reclamation projects due to its adaptability to disturbed habitats. In addition to its ecological benefits, Yellow Rabbitbrush is appreciated for its vibrant fall color and its role as a forage plant for wildlife, including deer and antelope. It prefers full sun and requires minimal maintenance once established. Gardeners should be aware that while it is not typically prone to diseases, it can become leggy if not pruned regularly.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Arid deserts, sagebrush steppe, and mountainous areas
Other Names
Common Names: Yellow Rabbitbrush, Green Rabbitbrush, Sticky-Leaf Rabbitbrush, Yellowbrush, Sticky Rabbitbush, Sticky-Leaved Rabbitbrush
Scientific Names: , Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, Bigelowia douglasii var. douglasii, Chrysothamnus pumilus var. pumilus, Ericameria viscidiflora subsp. viscidiflora, Ericameria viscidiflora var. viscidiflora, Linosyris viscidiflora var. viscidiflora,
GBIF Accepted Name: