Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (Yellow Rabbitbrush)

Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (Yellow Rabbitbrush) is a vigorous multi-branched shrub boasting a profusion of bright golden-yellow flowers from early summer to fall. Borne in compact to open clusters at the branch tips, the showy blossoms are followed by wedge-shaped, light brown achenes. They produce an abundance of small, viable, plumed seeds that are easily dispersed by wind. The erect, stiff, brittle branches are covered with alternate, usually twisted, very narrow, green leaves. Widely distributed throughout western North America, Yellow Rabbitbrush is valued for its flowers and the pollinators that are attracted by them. It is also considered desirable fall forage for cattle, sheep, horses, elk and antelope, and spring forage for deer. Yellow Rabbitbrush is well suited for use in restoration and revegetation plantings. It can be used for erosion control and to stabilize soils.

• Grows up to 1-3 ft. tall (30-90 cm).
• Thrives in dry, coarse to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Once established it will want no irrigation in the summer. Drought tolerant once established. Exhibits salt tolerance and tolerates alkaline soils.
• Great for butterfly gardens, bird gardens or bee gardens.
• Cut back in fall or spring to promote denser branching.
• Keep an eye out for the larvae of hairy yellow-marked buprestid (Acamaeodera pulchella) which bore tunnels through the stems resulting in the plant death.
• Propagate by seed in late fall and winter.
• Widely distributed throughout western North America, it occurs from British Columbia south to southeastern California and east to North Dakota, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.