Origin
Chrysothamnus nauseosus (Pallas ex Pursh) Britt. ssp. turbinatus (M.E. Jones) Hall & Clements, also known as Rubber rabbitbrush, is a shrub native to North America. The plant can be found in the western United States from Montana and North Dakota to California and New Mexico.
Common Names
Aside from Rubber rabbitbrush, Chrysothamnus nauseosus is also known by several other common names such as gray rabbitbrush, chamisa, and turpentine bush.
Uses
The plant has long been used in traditional medicine by Native American tribes to treat various ailments such as colds, coughs, sore throats, and to promote wound healing. The stems and leaves of the plant produce a resin that has been used as a natural adhesive. The plant is also known to have strong antibacterial properties, which make it useful in the production of soaps and disinfectants.
Chrysothamnus nauseosus is also commonly used in landscaping as an ornamental shrub for its showy yellow flowers and its ability to thrive in arid climates. The plant is also an important forage crop for wildlife, providing food and shelter for various animals including rabbits, deer, and birds.
General Appearance
Rubber rabbitbrush is a deciduous perennial shrub that can grow up to 1-2 meters tall. The plant has numerous branches that spread out from the base, forming a dense, bushy appearance. The leaves of the plant are small and narrow, measuring about 1-3 cm long, and are often coated with a silvery, woolly substance. The plant produces showy yellow flowers in late summer or early fall that are arranged in clusters at the tips of the branches. The flowers are small, measuring only about 5 mm in diameter, but can cover the entire plant when in bloom.
Growth Conditions for Chrysothamnus nauseosus ssp. turbinatus
Light: Chrysothamnus nauseosus ssp. turbinatus thrive best in full sun or partial shade. It requires at least four to six hours of sunlight for optimal growth and development.
Temperature: The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but ideally, it prefers temperatures between 50-80°F. It grows best in dry, warm environments and can survive in locations where temperatures dip below freezing.
Soil: The plant grows best in well-draining, sandy soils with a slightly acidic pH level ranging between 5.5-7.5. It can tolerate poor soils, rocky soils, and drought-like conditions.
Water: Chrysothamnus nauseosus ssp. turbinatus can tolerate drought conditions, but they require regular watering during their initial establishment period. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Other considerations: The plant is a hardy perennial that is resistant to many pests and diseases. It is an excellent choice for xeriscaping and can be used in landscapes, highways, and restoration sites.
Cultivation methods
Chrysothamnus nauseosus (Pallas ex Pursh) Britt. ssp. turbinatus (M.E. Jones) Hall & Clements, commonly known as the turbinated rubber rabbitbrush, thrives in dry and arid environments, making it a popular choice for xeriscape gardens. This plant does well in full sun and well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It is essential to plant the turbinated rubber rabbitbrush in an area with good air circulation to prevent diseases.
Watering needs
The turbinated rubber rabbitbrush is a drought-tolerant plant that requires occasional deep watering. Newly planted specimens need to be watered regularly until they establish themselves. Once established, the turbinated rubber rabbitbrush can do well with less irrigation but still needs occasional watering during extended dry periods. Overwatering can cause root rot and other problems, so be careful not to overwater.
Fertilization
The turbinated rubber rabbitbrush does not require regular fertilization. Applying too much fertilizer can harm the plant, so it is recommended to apply a balanced fertilizer once a year in the early spring. A top dressing of compost or other organic matter can also provide the plant with nutrients throughout the growing season.
Pruning
The turbinated rubber rabbitbrush benefits from annual pruning to maintain its shape and size and promotes flowering. It is recommended to prune in early spring before new growth emerges. Use sharp and clean pruning shears to make clean cuts and remove dead or damaged branches. Cut back the plant to about 1/3 of its height, being careful not to remove more than that as this can harm the plant.
Propagation of Chrysothamnus nauseosus ssp. turbinatus
Chrysothamnus nauseosus ssp. turbinatus, commonly known as Turbinated rabbitbrush, is a native shrub of North America that belongs to the Asteraceae family. The plant is a drought-tolerant species that can grow up to a height of 30 to 150 cm. It typically thrives in dry and rocky areas, such as hillsides, plains, and deserts. If you wish to propagate this plant, there are a few methods that you can use.
Seed Propagation
One of the most common methods of propagating Chrysothamnus nauseosus ssp. turbinatus is through seed propagation. The seeds may be collected in late summer or early fall when the plant is done flowering, and the seed heads have started to dry. You can gather them by clipping the entire inflorescence and placing it in a paper bag. After a week or two, the seeds will start to fall off the inflorescence. You can store the seeds in a cool, dry place until you are ready to use them.
Start seed propagation by filling a container with well-draining soil. Sow the seeds and cover them with a thin layer of soil. The seeds of Chrysothamnus nauseosus ssp. turbinatus require light to germinate, so do not cover them entirely with soil. Water the container and keep it in a warm and sunny area. The seedlings will emerge in two to three weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
You can also propagate Chrysothamnus nauseosus ssp. turbinatus by taking cuttings from an established plant. Choose a healthy stem that is about 6 inches long. Cut the stem at an angle, and remove all the leaves except for the top two or three. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a container filled with well-draining soil. Water the container, and cover it with a plastic bag to create a greenhouse effect. Keep the container in a warm and bright area, but avoid direct sunlight. The roots will start to form in four to six weeks, and the plant will be ready to transplant into a larger container after eight weeks.
Disease Management
Chrysothamnus nauseosus (Pallas ex Pursh) Britt. ssp. turbinatus (M.E. Jones) Hall & Clements is prone to fungal infections, including powdery mildew and rust. Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers. Rust appears as rusty brown or yellow spots on leaves and stems. To manage these diseases, it is important to ensure good air circulation around the plant by spacing them adequately. Avoid overhead watering to prevent moisture buildup on the foliage, as this will encourage fungal growth. Additionally, removing infected plant debris will also help to minimize the spread of disease.
Pest Management
The main pests that affect Chrysothamnus nauseosus (Pallas ex Pursh) Britt. ssp. turbinatus (M.E. Jones) Hall & Clements are aphids, spider mites, and thrips. These pests can cause damage to the leaves, flowers, and stems of the plant, resulting in reduced growth and vigor. To manage these pests, it is important to identify them early and take prompt action. One effective way to control pests is by using insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or other natural insecticides. Pruning and removing infested plant parts will also help to reduce pest populations. Finally, introducing natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings can also help to control pest populations in a natural and eco-friendly way.
