Is Rubber rabbitbrush good for the Colorado Front Range?

Yes, Rubber rabbitbrush is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.

What should I know before planting Rubber rabbitbrush?

The main things to know: Rabbitbrush, native, prolific reseeder into disturbed ground

How far apart do I plant Rubber rabbitbrush?

Space Rubber rabbitbrush about 6 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 4 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.

Is Rubber rabbitbrush hardy on the Front Range?

Rubber rabbitbrush is hardy in USDA 4 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.

How much water does Rubber rabbitbrush need?

It needs low water once established.

How fast does Rubber rabbitbrush grow?

Rubber rabbitbrush is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.

Is Rubber rabbitbrush deer-resistant?

Rubber rabbitbrush is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.

How long does Rubber rabbitbrush bloom?

Rubber rabbitbrush blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.

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Rubber rabbitbrush

Ericameria nauseosa

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-10-19

Rubber rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa) is a Colorado-native shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 3 to 6 ft tall and 4 to 6 ft wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Iconic Front Range native, golden flower clouds light up roadsides in September. Silver-green foliage year-round.

Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow water3 to 6 ft tall and 4 to 6 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant

Photos

Photo 1: (c) Katie Bird, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 2: no rights reserved
Photo 3: no rights reserved
Photo 4: (c) Matt Lavin, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
Photo 5: (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 4 to 9
Water needs: low water
Sun: Best in full sun.
Soil: sandy, loam, well drained only
Soil pH: 6.5 to 8.5
Hail tolerance: high
Wind tolerance: high
Salt tolerance: high
Site uses: Hellstrips / parking strips, Slopes & erosion control

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 3 to 6 ft tall and 4 to 6 ft wide
Planting spacing: ~6 ft apart (4 ft for a hedge/screen)
Growth rate: Moderate

What it looks like, and when

Bloom time: late summer, early fall
Bloom color: yellow
Bloom length: Long (several weeks)
Foliage: Semi-evergreen

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: high
Deer: Generally deer-resistant
Colorado native: Yes
Native ecoregion: shortgrass prairie, foothills

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

Things to know before you plant

Spreads aggressivelyRabbitbrush, native, prolific reseeder into disturbed ground

Planting & establishment

Water deeply 1×/week first 2 summers, slow to establish. Bombproof after rooting; needs no supplemental water.

Frequently asked questions

Is Rubber rabbitbrush good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, Rubber rabbitbrush is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
What should I know before planting Rubber rabbitbrush?: The main things to know: Rabbitbrush, native, prolific reseeder into disturbed ground
How big does Rubber rabbitbrush get?: It matures to about 3 to 6 ft tall and 4 to 6 ft wide.
How far apart do I plant Rubber rabbitbrush?: Space Rubber rabbitbrush about 6 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 4 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
Is Rubber rabbitbrush hardy on the Front Range?: Rubber rabbitbrush is hardy in USDA 4 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
How much water does Rubber rabbitbrush need?: It needs low water once established.
How fast does Rubber rabbitbrush grow?: Rubber rabbitbrush is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
Is Rubber rabbitbrush native to Colorado?: Yes. It is a Colorado native.
Is Rubber rabbitbrush deer-resistant?: Rubber rabbitbrush is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
How long does Rubber rabbitbrush bloom?: Rubber rabbitbrush blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.