Plant Data Sheet
Species (common name, Latin name)
rubber rabbit-brush, Ericameria nauseosa
Range
Chiefly east of the Cascades,
Climate, elevation
Dry, open areas from the plains to
moderate elevations in the mountains.
In
Local occurrence (where, how common)
All over
Habitat preferences
It grows in dry plains, dry mountain sides, grasslands, open woodlands and roadsides
Plant strategy type/successional
stage (stress-tolerator, competitor, weedy/colonizer,
seral, late successional)
It is cold hardy, and tolerant of both moisture and salt stress.
Associated species
Chrysothamnus parryi (Parry
rabbit-brush) is less shrubby, has larger leaves and smaller, paler flowers. Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus
(
May be collected as: (seed, layered, divisions, etc.)
Propagated
by seeds and cuttings.
Collection restrictions or guidelines
Pollen may cause allergic reaction. Best to collect in Autumn.
Seed germination (needs dormancy breaking?)
A stratification period is not necessary for rubber rabbit-rush but may speed germination. Stratification period may extend to 120 days. Without stratification, germination begins within 5 to 20 days after planting. In laboratory tests, germination rates are highest at 58 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (20-30 oC) and lowest at 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 oC). A specific light regime is not required, but germination can be inhibited by high saline concentrations
Seed life (can be stored, short shelf-life, long
shelf-life)
Up to 3 year’s storage under ordinary warehouse
storage conditions.
Recommended seed storage conditions
Germination in rubber rabbit-brush is quite high, and seed viability remains relatively high (65 percent) for up to 3 year’s storage under ordinary warehouse storage conditions.
Propagation recommendations (plant seeds, vegetative
parts, cuttings, etc.)
Can plant as seeds or container grown.
Seedlings sensitive to
frost and drought.
Soil or medium requirements (inoculum
necessary?)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral), 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline), 7.9 to 8.5 (alkaline) and sandy soil. Grows on a wide range of soils. Soils tend to be medium to coarse-textured and somewhat basic, but may range from moderately acidic to strongly alkaline. This shrub commonly grows on dry, sandy, gravelly or heavy clay, and is somewhat salt tolerant.
Installation form (form, potential for successful
outcomes, cost)
Container
plants grown from seed or cutting.
Recommended planting density
It is fast growing and invades and occupies areas at high
densities. Allow adequate space for rapid spread.
Care requirements after installed (water weekly, water
once etc.)
Prefers full sun and well-drained,
infertile soils. Fully cold-hardy. Drought
hardy (i.e., needs no supplemental water after establishment on the Wasatch
Front), and intolerant of overwatering.
Normal rate of growth or spread; lifespan
Spacing is 24-36 in. (60-90 cm). Grows up to seven feet in height, but is
often much shorter, depending on the growing conditions. The nauseosus has branches which are permanently felted with
white or greenish-white hairs. The leaves are usually three-fourths to two and
three-fourths inches long. Plants may be
full grown within 4 years.
Sources cited
http://jan.ucc.nau.edu/~plants-c/bio414/species%20pages/Ericameria%20nauseosa%20var.htm
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/65435/index.html
http://extension.usu.edu/rangeplants/Woody/rubberrabbitbrush.htm
Data compiled by (student
name and date)
Steven Campbell 4-12-06