Tall Rabbitbrush

Chamisa

Ericameria nauseosa var. nauseosa

er-ik-kam-MEER-ee-uh naw-see-OH-sa
2 to 6 ft.
4 to 6 ft.
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very low

golden yellow

September

2 to 6 ft.

4 to 6 ft.

Yes

Rocky Mountains

sun

USDA zones 2-8

hardy to 8,500 ft.

Tall rabbitbrush is a medium-sized shrub with a rounded, open shape. It is native to the Colorado Springs area.

The leaves are slender and soft, and range in color from gray-green to gray-blue.

Cluster of small yellow flowers attract butterflies and bees in September, adding late color to landscapes. Fuzzy, yellow seed heads persist through the winter. Although deer and rabbits may nibble on this shrub, they rarely damage it. It is a good choice for very low water areas.

very low

golden yellow

September

2 to 6 ft.

4 to 6 ft.

Yes

Rocky Mountains

sun

USDA zones 2-8

hardy to 8,500 ft.

Several rabbitbrushes are growing in the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden. They are hardy and healthy specimens, and receive no additional irrigation and very little care. Every few years, beetle larvae will eat the leaves, but otherwise have very few problems. If the damage to the leaves is severe, we cut the branches to ground level and let them regrow the following year.

Very little water is required by this plant after establishment. If a globe shape is preferred, rabbitbrush may be pruned by 1/3 in the early spring. Prune out any branches broken by heavy spring snow. Tall rabbitbrush can be rejuvenated when desired by cutting the branches to ground level in late winter or early spring before the leaves emerge.