Rubber rabbitbrush
Ericameria nauseosa
Rubber rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa) is a Colorado-native shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 3–6 ft tall and 4–6 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 water3–6 ft tall and 4–6 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Ericameria nauseosa
- Type
- Shrub
- Mature size
- 3–6 ft tall and 4–6 ft wide
- Planting spacing
- ~6 ft apart (4 ft for a hedge/screen)
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–9
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Soil
- sandy, loam, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.5
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- high
- Bloom color
- yellow
- Bloom time
- late summer, early fall
- Pollinator value
- high
- Site uses
- Hellstrips / parking strips, Slopes & erosion control
Things to know before you plant
- Spreads aggressivelyRabbitbrush, native, prolific reseeder into disturbed ground
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Native ecoregion
- shortgrass prairie, foothills
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 3–6 ft tall and 4–6 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 4–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–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.
