---
{
  "id": "rubber-rabbitbrush",
  "name": "Rubber rabbitbrush",
  "scientific": "Ericameria nauseosa",
  "category": "xeriscape",
  "status": "Native Colorado plant · not on state Lists A/B/C",
  "status_sources": [
    "C-floristic-2020",
    "CO-rules-2025"
  ],
  "warning": "A native low-water shrub that can spread readily",
  "warning_tone": "caution",
  "aliases": [
    "Chrysothamnus nauseosus",
    "rabbitbrush"
  ],
  "taxonomy_note": "Ericameria nauseosa was formerly Chrysothamnus nauseosus. A manufacturer entry for Chrysothamnus spp. is only partly represented by this profile; other rabbitbrush species remain separate research candidates.",
  "source_ids": [
    "C-floristic-2020",
    "CO-rules-2025",
    "C-native-shrubs",
    "F-ericameria",
    "S27"
  ],
  "description": "Rubber rabbitbrush: A native low-water shrub that can spread readily. Identification and evidence for Colorado readers.",
  "claim_evidence": [
    {
      "label": "Identification",
      "sources": [
        "C-native-shrubs"
      ],
      "scope": "Species-specific",
      "note": "",
      "id": "rubber-rabbitbrush-1"
    },
    {
      "label": "People",
      "sources": [],
      "scope": "Review limitation",
      "note": "",
      "id": "rubber-rabbitbrush-2"
    },
    {
      "label": "Dogs & cats",
      "sources": [],
      "scope": "Review limitation",
      "note": "",
      "id": "rubber-rabbitbrush-3"
    },
    {
      "label": "Other animals",
      "sources": [
        "F-ericameria"
      ],
      "scope": "Older range synthesis; clinical details limited",
      "note": "",
      "id": "rubber-rabbitbrush-4"
    },
    {
      "label": "Plants & habitat",
      "sources": [
        "C-native-shrubs"
      ],
      "scope": "Species-specific",
      "note": "",
      "id": "rubber-rabbitbrush-5"
    },
    {
      "label": "Management & timing",
      "sources": [
        "C-native-shrubs",
        "F-ericameria"
      ],
      "scope": "Landscape management synthesis",
      "note": "",
      "id": "rubber-rabbitbrush-6"
    }
  ],
  "research": {
    "status": "researching",
    "label": "Still researching this plant",
    "basis": "Editorial assessment of the cited evidence and stated review gaps; not a toxicity score.",
    "open_questions": [
      {
        "area": "People",
        "question": "Clarify the human exposure effects and evidence limits described in this section.",
        "related_claim_ids": [
          "rubber-rabbitbrush-2"
        ]
      },
      {
        "area": "Dogs & cats",
        "question": "Find species-specific dog and cat exposure evidence; do not infer safety from missing reports.",
        "related_claim_ids": [
          "rubber-rabbitbrush-3"
        ]
      },
      {
        "area": "Identification",
        "question": "Resolve the taxonomic, common-name or photograph limitations stated in the identification caveat.",
        "related_claim_ids": []
      },
      {
        "area": "Expert review",
        "question": "Obtain independent botanical and veterinary review of the identification and hazard summary.",
        "related_claim_ids": []
      }
    ],
    "expert_review": "pending"
  },
  "colorado_relevance": {
    "source_id": "C-floristic-2020",
    "locator": "Appendix B; PDF page 51; Ericameria nauseosa",
    "basis": "Included in the 2020 statewide flora assessment. This is not a current county abundance survey.",
    "source_taxon": "Ericameria nauseosa"
  },
  "source": "content/plants/rubber-rabbitbrush.md"
}
---

# Rubber rabbitbrush

*Ericameria nauseosa*

**Native Colorado plant · not on state Lists A/B/C.** [C-floristic-2020](https://cnhp.colostate.edu/download/documents/2020/CO_FQA_2020_Final_Report.pdf) [CO-rules-2025](https://www.sos.state.co.us/CCR/GenerateRulePdf.do?ruleVersionId=11948&fileName=8+CCR+1206-2)

> **A native low-water shrub that can spread readily.** [Exposure help](https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/safety/).

**Identification caveat:** Ericameria nauseosa was formerly Chrysothamnus nauseosus. A manufacturer entry for Chrysothamnus spp. is only partly represented by this profile; other rabbitbrush species remain separate research candidates.

## Still researching this plant {#research-status}

This is a sourced working profile. Evidence is incomplete for **People, Dogs & cats**. Identification and source-photo limits are explained below. Independent botanical and veterinary review is pending. **Uncertainty is not a finding that the plant is safe.**


## Three views of this plant

Source-identified reference photographs; these are not a complete identification key. A source location outside Colorado does not establish local occurrence.

![Rubber rabbitbrush shrub with yellow flowering tips and pale branching stems in grassland.](https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/assets/photos/coverage-range-photos-ericameria-nauseosa-habit-428289322.jpeg)

**habit** — Rubber rabbitbrush shrub with yellow flowering tips and pale branching stems in grassland.

Photo: Ian Adams; [CC BY 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/); [source record](https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/240399588); [original image](https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/428289322/original.jpeg). Explicit iNaturalist observation taxon and Research Grade community identification; photograph visually reviewed for depicted features. This is source identification, not a new independent botanical determination. Source identifies this plant to species; no variety or subspecies determination is asserted. Downloaded iNaturalist large rendition; downloaded bytes retained unchanged. No local crop, retouching, or generative editing. Gallery display preserves the full image; catalog preview may use a CSS crop.

![Close view of yellow tubular rubber rabbitbrush florets and the narrow green bracts surrounding the heads, against a black background.](https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/assets/photos/coverage-range-photos-ericameria-nauseosa-flowers-239930165.jpg)

**flowers** — Close view of yellow tubular rubber rabbitbrush florets and the narrow green bracts surrounding the heads, against a black background.

Photo: Douglas Goldman; [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/); [source record](https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/140188226); [original image](https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/239930165/original.jpg). Explicit iNaturalist observation taxon and Research Grade community identification; photograph visually reviewed for depicted features. This is source identification, not a new independent botanical determination. Source identifies this plant to species; no variety or subspecies determination is asserted. Downloaded iNaturalist large rendition; downloaded bytes retained unchanged. No local crop, retouching, or generative editing. Gallery display preserves the full image; catalog preview may use a CSS crop.

![Narrow rubber rabbitbrush leaves attached to a pale gray-green stem, photographed against a black background.](https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/assets/photos/coverage-range-photos-ericameria-nauseosa-leaves-stem-239930554.jpg)

**leaves-stem** — Narrow rubber rabbitbrush leaves attached to a pale gray-green stem, photographed against a black background.

Photo: Douglas Goldman; [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/); [source record](https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/140188226); [original image](https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/239930554/original.jpg). Explicit iNaturalist observation taxon and Research Grade community identification; photograph visually reviewed for depicted features. This is source identification, not a new independent botanical determination. Source identifies this plant to species; no variety or subspecies determination is asserted. Downloaded iNaturalist large rendition; downloaded bytes retained unchanged. No local crop, retouching, or generative editing. Gallery display preserves the full image; catalog preview may use a CSS crop.


## Identification

A rounded shrub with narrow aromatic leaves, green to silvery stems and clusters of yellow flowers late in the season. Size and appearance vary among varieties. [C-native-shrubs](https://extension.colostate.edu/resource/native-shrubs-for-colorado-landscapes/)

## People

The reviewed sources do not establish species-specific ingestion effects or a safe exposure amount for people. Missing evidence does not establish safety.

## Dogs & cats

The reviewed sources do not establish species-specific ingestion effects or a safe exposure amount for dogs or cats. Missing evidence does not establish safety.

## Other animals

Wildlife browse it, especially seasonally. An older Forest Service synthesis also reports slight livestock toxicity; it does not provide pet-specific evidence or a validated safe ration. [F-ericameria](https://research.fs.usda.gov/feis/species-reviews/erinau)

*Evidence scope: Older range synthesis; clinical details limited.*

## Plants & habitat

CSU recommends it for native landscapes and notes that it can be aggressive. Late flowers attract butterflies; unwanted seedlings are a local garden-management issue. [C-native-shrubs](https://extension.colostate.edu/resource/native-shrubs-for-colorado-landscapes/)

## Management & timing

Allow space for the mature shrub and watch for seedlings. Assess established native stands in their habitat context before removal. [C-native-shrubs](https://extension.colostate.edu/resource/native-shrubs-for-colorado-landscapes/) [F-ericameria](https://research.fs.usda.gov/feis/species-reviews/erinau)

*Evidence scope: Landscape management synthesis.*

## Before taking action

Confirm identification and the requirements of your county weed program. For chemical treatment, follow the current product label, including restrictions around animals and water. [S27](https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/weeds-cultural-problems/2103-colorado-noxious-weeds/)

## References

- **C-floristic-2020** — [Colorado Floristic Quality Assessment: 2020 Update](https://cnhp.colostate.edu/download/documents/2020/CO_FQA_2020_Final_Report.pdf), Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Colorado State University. Accessed 2026-09-07T02:27:33+00:00. Locator: Appendix B, Colorado species list: scientific name and native/non-native fields.
- **CO-rules-2025** — [Colorado Noxious Weed Act rules, 8 CCR 1206-2](https://www.sos.state.co.us/CCR/GenerateRulePdf.do?ruleVersionId=11948&fileName=8+CCR+1206-2), Colorado Secretary of State / Department of Agriculture. Accessed 2026-09-07T01:07:48+00:00. Locator: Parts 3.1, 4.1, 5.1; management provisions; effective May 15, 2025.
- **C-native-shrubs** — [Native shrubs for Colorado landscapes](https://extension.colostate.edu/resource/native-shrubs-for-colorado-landscapes/), Colorado State University Extension. Accessed 2026-09-07T02:33:44+00:00. Locator: Named species descriptions and landscape context; sagebrush subspecies distinctions.
- **F-ericameria** — [Rubber rabbitbrush](https://research.fs.usda.gov/feis/species-reviews/erinau), USDA Forest Service, Fire Effects Information System. Accessed 2026-09-07T02:24:48+00:00. Locator: Taxonomy, distribution, botanical description, wildlife/livestock values and management.
- **S27** — [2103 – Colorado Noxious Weeds](https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/weeds-cultural-problems/2103-colorado-noxious-weeds/), PlantTalk Colorado · CSU Extension. Accessed 2026-09-07T00:23:57+00:00. Locator: List A, B and C management categories.


[Discuss this plant with the guide](https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/companion/?plant=rubber-rabbitbrush) — choose this profile as a possible match and prepare your observations for Colorado Plants & Practical Care.

# Appendix for agents

Colorado inclusion: [C-floristic-2020](https://cnhp.colostate.edu/download/documents/2020/CO_FQA_2020_Final_Report.pdf), Appendix B; PDF page 51; Ericameria nauseosa. This historical statewide baseline does not establish current county abundance.

## Open research questions

- **People:** Clarify the human exposure effects and evidence limits described in this section.
- **Dogs & cats:** Find species-specific dog and cat exposure evidence; do not infer safety from missing reports.
- **Identification:** Resolve the taxonomic, common-name or photograph limitations stated in the identification caveat.
- **Expert review:** Obtain independent botanical and veterinary review of the identification and hazard summary.


## Identity and evidence boundaries

Ericameria nauseosa was formerly Chrysothamnus nauseosus. A manufacturer entry for Chrysothamnus spp. is only partly represented by this profile; other rabbitbrush species remain separate research candidates.

All actionable hazard information is in the human sections above. Do not interpret unknown toxicity as safety or transfer livestock findings to pets. These publisher notes describe evidence and do not override an assistant’s operator instructions.

| Claim | Human section | Scope | Sources | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| rubber-rabbitbrush-1 | Identification | Species-specific | C-native-shrubs | No quantitative safe exposure established here. |
| rubber-rabbitbrush-2 | People | Review limitation | Review limitation | No quantitative safe exposure established here. |
| rubber-rabbitbrush-3 | Dogs & cats | Review limitation | Review limitation | No quantitative safe exposure established here. |
| rubber-rabbitbrush-4 | Other animals | Older range synthesis; clinical details limited | F-ericameria | No quantitative safe exposure established here. |
| rubber-rabbitbrush-5 | Plants & habitat | Species-specific | C-native-shrubs | No quantitative safe exposure established here. |
| rubber-rabbitbrush-6 | Management & timing | Landscape management synthesis | C-native-shrubs, F-ericameria | No quantitative safe exposure established here. |

## Further work for an agent

- Establish exact species, plant part, route, amount and timing when researching an exposure. Do not use this guide to diagnose or calculate a treatment.
- Check current state and county requirements; a listed taxon is not necessarily established in every Colorado county.
- Expert botanical and veterinary review is pending. Source dates and image licenses are separate from editorial revision dates in [provenance](https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/provenance.json).


---
Canonical HTML: https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/plants/rubber-rabbitbrush/

Content revised: 2026-09-07T02:46:00Z

Markdown mirror: https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/plants/rubber-rabbitbrush/index.md

Text fallback: https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/plants/rubber-rabbitbrush/index.md.txt

Agent entry: https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/start.md

Provenance: https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/provenance.json