Chrysothamnus (Rubber Rabbitbrush)

#A1770 Chrysothamnus nauseosus

Grey Rubber Rabbitbrush, Chamisa  Chrysothamnus nauseosus (syn. Ericameria nauseosa) Native western US woody shrub, member of the Daisy family, Compositae.  The shrubs are densely branched, the twigs covered with a soft grey felty down.  Leaves are narrow and lance shaped and the shrub is covered in bright yellow hermaphrodidic (containing both male and female organs) blooms in the early fall, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.  The plants can be shorn into a tight hedge. Normally found in dry open places where little else will grow, the shrub is an excellent choice for xeriscaping.  It can be a source of forage, though it s tough nature and apparently unpleasant taste makes it a secondary choice of animals.  As a forage, it has been noted to be an excellent source of protein (12%)  Recently, Chrysothamnus has been considered a promising source of biocrude for fuel.  It  is often used as an emergency source of rubber, but so far production has not been considered cost effective.  It has also been used as a dye plant, producing a green dye from the bark and yellow from the blooms, and to manufacture baskets. Native Americans used the plant as a kind of chewing gum, and as a tea to treat colds, stomach problems and toothache, though currently, it is recommended to be used in only small doses.  It is slightly bacteriacidal. Propagation is easily accomplished by sowing seed.  Seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours prior to planting.  Sow seed in pots or trays at a depth of 1/16 inch and press lightly into the soil.  Cover with glass or plastic and keep moist at 80-85F.  Bottom watering is recommended.  When seedlings emerge, remove the glass or plastic and grow on, keeping the soil moist and the temperature between 75-85F.  Transplant to larger containers when seedlings reach about 2 inches in height.  Transplant outdoors when temperatures do not fall below 65F.  Space 48 inches apart each way or 36 inches apart for hedges.  Plants reseed freely. Hardy to −30 °F (−34.4 °C)    Height: 8ft   Spread: 8ft. #A1770     Seed packet,  Approximately 100 seeds    $10.50

#A1770B Chrysothamnus nauseosus  4oz

#A1770B   Bulk seed 4oz  $35.50,  Approximately 87000 seeds

#A1770C Chrysothamnus nauseosus 1lb

#A2227C   Bulk seed 1lb  $70.50,  Approximately 350,000 seeds

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