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.MRCS <br />United States Department of Agriculture <br />Natural Resources Conservation Service <br />RUBBER RABBITBRUSH <br />Ericameria nauseosa (pallas ex <br />Pursh) G.L. Nesom & Baird <br />Plant Symbol = ERNA10 <br />Contributed byUSDA NRCS Plant Materials Center, <br />Pullman, Washington <br />www.wildflower.org <br />Alternate Names <br />Grey rabbitbrush, golden rabbitbrush, chamiso blanco, <br />Chrysothamnus nauseosus (Pallas ex Pursh) Britton, <br />Chrysocoma nauseosa Pallas ex Pursh, Bigelovia <br />nauseosa Gray <br />Uses <br />Forage: Rubber rabbitbrush has marginal value for all <br />classes of livestock and has occasionally been reported to <br />be toxic (Stubbendieck et al. 2003). It is, however, an <br />important browse species on depleted range land and can <br />be heavily used by wildlife during winter months (Utah <br />State University 2009). Halls et al. (1994) report browsing <br />animals, especially mule deer, use rubber rabbitbrush as <br />Plant Guide <br />forage in winter months but not in summer because the <br />leaves have fewer secondary volatile chemicals in winter. <br />Bhat et al. (1990) found some accessions of rubber <br />rabbitbrush ranked high in crude protein, phosphorus and <br />digestibility in comparison to other winter browse species, <br />and suggested these accessions could be selected for <br />superior germplasm releases. <br />Wildlife habitat: The leaves, flowers and seeds of rubber <br />rabbitbrush are a food source for deer, antelope, elk, small <br />mammals and birds. The plant also provides cover for <br />small mammals and birds such as jackrabbits and sage <br />grouse. <br />Pollinator habitat: Rubber rabbitbrush attracts a wide <br />array of native insects, including butterflies and small <br />bees (Utah Native Plant Society 2009; Ogle et al. 2007). It <br />is one the few native plant species in the Intermountain <br />West that provides habitat for pollinators during the late <br />summer and fall months (Ogle et al. 2007). <br />Range revegetation: Rubber rabbitbrush is deep rooted <br />and produces heavy litter (Aldon and Pase 198 1) and has <br />the potential to stabilize soils, moderate soil temperature <br />and moisture, as well as add aesthetic value to degraded <br />land (Romo and Eddleman 1994). <br />Erosion control: Rubber rabbitbrush grows rapidly and <br />produces abundant seed (Romo and Eddleman 1994). It <br />can be used to stabilize roadsides and other critical areas. <br />Mine reclamation: The plant is able to grow on a variety <br />of substrates, including sand, shale, slickrock and other <br />unusual substrate types (Meyer et al. 1989) and is an ideal <br />plant for mine reclamation. <br />Ethnobotanical: The Hopi stripped the bark from the <br />branches of rubber rabbitbrush and used the branches for <br />basket weaving (Stubbendieck et al. 2003). The Navajo <br />used the flowers to make yellow dye (Lady Bird Johnson <br />Wildflower Center 2009). Native Americans also used <br />rubber rabbitbrush for chewing gum, tea, cough syrup, <br />and to treat chest pains ( Stubbendeick et al 2003). During <br />World War II the plant was studied as a substitute for <br />commercial rubber, and currently it is a small commercial <br />rubber source (Utah State University 2009). <br />Ornamental: The attractive, late- blooming flowers, <br />silvery-green foliage, and drought tolerance of rubber <br />rabbitbrush make it a desirable plant for low maintenance <br />and sustainable landscaping. It is recommended by the <br />Utah Native Plant Society (2009) as a screen or <br />background for summer flowers. <br />