Green Rabbitbrush, Yellow rabbitbrush
Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 1

Where it is found

Dry open places in lowlands and up to moderate elevations.

Western N. America - southern British Columbia to California.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Canada, North America, USA.

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

A latex obtained from the root is used as a chewing gum. The plant has been used as a spice.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Gum: can be chewed as a chewing gum or can often be used as a sweetener or thickening agent in foods.

Medicine

Rating: 1

A poultice made from the chewed plant tips has been applied to boils and rheumatic joints. An infusion of the leaves has been used to treat colds. The finely mashed leaves have been inserted in tooth cavities to treat toothache.

Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.

Odontalgic: Treats toothache (temporary measure only) and other problems of the teeth and gums.

Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.

Other

Rating: 2

The latex obtained from the roots could be used in making rubber. Unfortunately it is not produced in sufficient quantity to make commercial extraction worthwhile. A green dye is obtained from the bark. A yellow-gold dye is obtained from the flowers. It is orange when alum is used as a mordant. It rapidly establishes in disturbed habitat, including burns, flooded washes, and rockslides, so it is a valuable shrub for revegetating damaged land such as overgrazed rangeland and abandoned mining areas.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

Gum: Gums have a wide range of uses, especially as stabilizers, emulsifiers, thickening agents, adhesives etc.

Latex: A source of rubber.

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Requires a sunny position and prefers a well-drained sandy soil. Plants do not require a rich soil. They tolerate alkaline soils. A very hardy plant but it prefers a drier climate than it finds in Britain though it succeeds in this country if given the protection of a dry sunny wall. A very variable and ornamental species. The leaves and stems are pleasantly aromatic.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in spring in a greenhouse and only just covering the seed. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in sand in a frame.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 3-7

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

This plant can be weedy or invasive. Noted in western USA as weedy.

Its other names

Local names

Douglas rabbitbrush, green rabbitbrush, yellow rabbitbrush, Sticky-leafed rabbit brush,

Synonyms

Bigelovia douglasii.