Rubber Rabbitbrush
Chrysothamnus graveolens

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Chrysothamnus graveolens is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft 2in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from September to October. 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): 2.5

Where it is found

Dry situations in semi-deserts. Sterile, especially alkaline soils.

Western N. America - Montana to Nebraska, Utah and New Mexico.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

The plant is a source of latex, used in making rubber. Unfortunately the latex is not produced in sufficient quantity to make commercial utilization practical. A green dye is obtained from the bark. A yellow-gold dye is obtained from the flowers. The stems are used in making wicker plaques.

Basketry: Plant used in making baskets and other items such as chairs. Includes plants that are only used as an ornamental addition.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

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. Does not require a rich soil. Tolerates alkaline soils. A very variable and ornamental species, it is not very hardy in Britain. It can succeed outdoors in the milder areas of the country but it requires the protection of a sunny wall at Kew. The leaves and stems are pleasantly aromatic when crushed. This species is considered by some botanists to be no more than a form of C. nauseosus.

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: 7-10

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. nauseosus graveolens. (Nutt.)Piper. Bigelovia graveolens.