Ericameria paniculata, commonly known as black-banded rabbitbrush or Mojave rabbitbrush, is an evergreen shrub native to the arid deserts and scrublands of the southwestern United States, particularly the Mojave Desert. It typically grows up to 80 inches tall with a similar spread, featuring spreading or erect stems that are characteristically banded with black due to a smut fungus. The plant is adorned with narrow, thread-shaped leaves and produces clusters of small, bright yellow flower heads that bloom from late summer to early winter, usually from June to December, providing a long-lasting display of color in the landscape.

Black-banded rabbitbrush is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and restoration projects. It is often used in naturalistic plantings, as a border shrub, or for erosion control on slopes. This shrub requires minimal maintenance once established and is best suited to full sun conditions. While it is generally pest and disease-free, it can occasionally be affected by the smut fungus that creates the black banding on its stems, though this does not typically harm the plant.CC BY-SA 4.0