Does it need much water?

No, it is extremely drought tolerant once established.

Yes, prune it back in early spring to keep it from becoming too woody.

Plant guide

Rubber rabbitbrush.

Ericameria nauseosa

Pronounced eh-rih-ka-MEER-ee-uh naw-zee-OH-suh

Also known as Chamisa, rabbitbrush, rubber rabbitbrush, stinking rabbitbrush

Rubber rabbitbrush is a hardy, drought tolerant shrub native to western North America. It is famous for its vibrant yellow flowers that bloom in late summer and fall. This plant is a fantastic choice for xeriscaping and supporting local pollinators.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Deciduous shrub
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 14 to 30 days
Mature size: 3 to 7 feet
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 3 to 9
Bloom time: Late summer to mid autumn

Care

Plant this shrub in a spot with excellent drainage to prevent root rot. Keep an eye out for signs of overwatering, like yellowing leaves or wilting. It thrives on neglect once established, so avoid over pampering it.

Watering: Water deeply only during the first year to help it establish, then let it handle natural rainfall.
Feeding: This plant rarely needs fertilizer and prefers lean, unamended soil.
Pruning: Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage dense growth.
Repotting: It is best to plant directly in the ground, but if kept in a container, repot only when it becomes root bound.
Soil: Well draining, sandy, or rocky soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 8.5
Temperature: -30 to 40°C
Humidity: 10 to 40%
Drought tolerance: High
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 10 to 20 years
Fragrance: Strong
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Stunted growth during the active season.

Safety

People: The foliage contains resins that can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Children: Keep children away from the sticky, resinous stems to avoid skin irritation.
Contact allergens: Handling the resinous foliage may cause contact dermatitis in some people.
Airborne allergens: The abundant pollen produced in late summer can trigger hay fever.
Edibility: This plant is not considered edible and may cause digestive upset if ingested.

How to identify it

Narrow, greyish green leaves
Dense clusters of yellow flowers
Stems covered in white felt
Rounded shrub growth habit

Height: 0.6 to 2m
Spread: 0.6 to 1.5m
Leaves: gray-green, silver, semi-evergreen
Flowers: yellow, 0.5 to 1cm

Problems to watch for

Root rot · Occurs when soil remains too wet for extended periods.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: seed, cuttings
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: No special winter care is needed as it is fully hardy in its native range. Avoid cutting it back in autumn to allow the stems to provide winter interest and shelter for insects.
In containers: It is not well-suited for containers due to its deep taproot and need for excellent drainage.

Seed

1. Collect seeds in late autumn once they turn fluffy.
2. Sow seeds in a well-draining potting mix.
3. Keep the soil barely moist until germination occurs.

Pair this plant with other drought-tolerant natives to create a low-maintenance, water-wise garden.

Grows well with

Big Sagebrush · They share similar water and light requirements in arid landscapes.
Indian Ricegrass · This grass provides a nice textural contrast to the shrubby foliage.

Similar species

Green Rabbitbrush · It has a similar growth habit but lacks the dense gray-green foliage.

Science

Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Ericameria
Order: Asterales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Western North America
Conservation: It is a common and widespread native species that is not currently of conservation concern.

It thrives in arid, disturbed sites and provides critical late-season resources for pollinators in harsh environments.

Value to wildlife: nectar source, larval host plant, winter cover
Pollinators: bees, butterflies, moths, beetles
Uses: xeriscaping, pollinator gardens, erosion control, wildlife habitat

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 6/9
Soil reaction: 7/9
Light: 8/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 2/9
Nutrients: 3/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need much water?: No, it is extremely drought tolerant once established.
Can I prune it?: Yes, prune it back in early spring to keep it from becoming too woody.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Ericameria refers to the heath-like appearance of the leaves, while the species name nauseosa refers to the strong, sometimes unpleasant scent of the foliage.

Good to know

It is often called rubber rabbitbrush because of the latex found in its tissues.
The bright yellow flowers provide a vital late season nectar source for migrating insects.
It is highly tolerant of saline and alkaline soils.
The plant has a distinct, pungent aroma when the leaves are crushed.

Also in

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This guide was generated with AI on October 19, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.