Ericameria nauseosa (Pallas ex Pursh) Nesom & Baird ssp. consimilis (Greene) Nesom & Baird var. turbinata (M.E. Jones) Nesom & Baird
Ericameria nauseosa (Pallas ex Pursh) Nesom & Baird ssp. consimilis (Greene) Nesom & Baird var. turbinata (M.E. Jones) Nesom & Baird, also known as rubber rabbitbrush, is a perennial shrub native to western North America. It is commonly found in areas such as the Great Basin, Colorado Plateau, and Rocky Mountains.
Common names
Aside from rubber rabbitbrush, this plant is also known by other common names, such as gray rabbitbrush, blackbrush, chamisa, and turpentine bush. The name "rubber rabbitbrush" is derived from the plant's strong, rubbery fragrance when rubbed or crushed, while "chamisa" is the Spanish term for the plant.
Uses
Native Americans have traditionally used rubber rabbitbrush for medicinal purposes, such as treating digestive issues, coughs, and colds. The plant is also used as a forage for wildlife, particularly by rabbits and deer. Rubber rabbitbrush is also an important plant for soil conservation, as it is often used in land restoration projects for its ability to stabilize soils and prevent erosion. Additionally, the plant is popular in the horticultural industry for its attractive flowers and foliage, making it a common choice in landscaping projects.
General appearance
Rubber rabbitbrush is a small to medium-sized shrub that typically grows between 2 and 6 feet tall. The plant has many stems, which are yellow to gray in color and covered with fine hairs. The leaves are narrow and pointed, measuring up to 2 inches long and 1/8 inch wide. The plant blooms in late summer or early fall, producing numerous small, yellow flowers that are arranged in clusters at the end of the branches. The flowers have no petals and are instead composed of multiple yellow, tubular florets.
Overall, Ericameria nauseosa (Pallas ex Pursh) Nesom & Baird ssp. consimilis (Greene) Nesom & Baird var. turbinata (M.E. Jones) Nesom & Baird is a versatile and important plant to the ecosystems of western North America, with both historical and modern uses in medicine, wildlife forage, soil conservation, and horticulture.
Ericameria nauseosa ssp. consimilis var. turbinata Growth Conditions
Ericameria nauseosa ssp. consimilis var. turbinata, commonly known as the turbinata rubber rabbitbrush, is a perennial shrub that can grow up to 4 feet tall and 5 feet wide. The plant produces yellow flowers in the fall and is commonly found in the Great Basin and Intermountain regions of North America. The growth conditions required by the plant are as follows:
Light
Ericameria nauseosa ssp. consimilis var. turbinata requires full sun exposure to grow optimally. The plant can tolerate some shade, but excessive shade can lead to stunted growth and reduced flower production.
Temperature
The turbinata rubber rabbitbrush can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from -30°F to 100°F (-34°C to 38°C). The plant is adapted to the semi-arid conditions of the Great Basin and Intermountain regions and can withstand both droughts and cold spells.
Soil
Ericameria nauseosa ssp. consimilis var. turbinata grows best in well-draining soils with a range of textures, from sandy to silty loams. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil pH, from acidic to slightly alkaline. However, the plant is not tolerant of saline soils and will not grow in areas with high salt content.
Overall, the turbinata rubber rabbitbrush is a hardy plant that can grow in a range of conditions, as long as it receives full sun exposure, well-draining soil, and is not exposed to salt. The plant is an important species in ecosystems of the Great Basin and Intermountain regions, as it provides food and shelter for a variety of wildlife species.
Cultivation Methods:
Ericameria nauseosa (Pallas ex Pursh) Nesom & Baird ssp. consimilis (Greene) Nesom & Baird var. turbinata (M.E. Jones) Nesom & Baird, commonly known as Rubber Rabbitbrush, can be cultivated through seeding or planting. It is a perennial shrub that is often utilized for erosion control, soil stabilization, and wildlife habitat. The ideal planting season is during the fall, but it can also be planted during the spring season. It is best to choose a location that receives full sun and has well-draining soil.
Watering needs:
Rubber Rabbitbrush requires little water and is well adapted to drought conditions. It is best to water the plant only during the establishment period. Once it has taken root, it can survive on its natural rainfall. Avoid over-watering the plant, as it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization:
Rubber Rabbitbrush does not require fertilizer and can thrive well in nutrient-poor soils. If necessary, a low-nitrogen fertilizer can be applied during the first growing season to promote growth. It is advisable to consult a local plant expert before fertilizing the plant to ensure the appropriate type and quantity of fertilizer.
Pruning:
Pruning of Rubber Rabbitbrush is not necessary, but it may be done to maintain its shape and appearance. It is best to prune the plant during the dormant season, which is in late winter or early spring. Prune no more than one-third of the plant's total size to avoid damaging it severely. Cut the plant stems at a 45-degree angle just above a growth node.
Propagation of Ericameria nauseosa ssp. consimilis var. turbinata
Propagation of Ericameria nauseosa ssp. consimilis var. turbinata is done mainly through seeds. However, vegetative propagation can also be achieved through stem cutting.
Seed Propagation
Seeds for propagation of Ericameria nauseosa ssp. consimilis var. turbinata can be collected during fall, when the seed heads have matured and dried on the plant. The seeds can be collected by hand or by using a seed stripper machine. Once collected, the seeds can be stored in a cool, dry place until they are ready to be planted.
Before planting, the seeds should be pretreated by stratifying them in the refrigerator for a month to break the dormancy. After stratification, the seeds can be planted in a well-drained potting mix, covered lightly with soil and watered lightly. The pots should be placed in a sunny location and kept moist until the seedlings emerge.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Ericameria nauseosa ssp. consimilis var. turbinata can be achieved through stem cutting. Cuttings should be taken from healthy mother plants during the active growing season. The cuttings should be taken from the tip of the stem and should be 3-6 inches long and should include 2-3 nodes.
The lower leaves of the cutting should be removed, leaving only a few leaves at the tip. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-drained potting mix. The soil should be kept moist and the cuttings should be kept in a shaded location until they form roots.
Disease Management
Ericameria nauseosa (Pallas ex Pursh) Nesom & Baird ssp. consimilis (Greene) Nesom & Baird var. turbinata (M.E. Jones) Nesom & Baird, commonly known as Rubber Rabbitbrush, is susceptible to several diseases. One of the most common diseases that affect the plant is powdery mildew.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a powdery white substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to prune the infected parts of the plant and dispose of them in a sealed bag. Additionally, spraying a solution of baking soda, water, and soap can help control the spread of the disease.
Another disease that affects Rubber Rabbitbrush is rust. Rust appears as orange to brown spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to remove the infected leaves and dispose of them properly. Fungicides can also be used as a control measure for rust.
Pest Management
Rubber Rabbitbrush attracts several insect pests, including aphids, spider mites, and thrips.
Aphids are tiny insects that feed on the leaves and stems of the plant. They can be managed by spraying the plant with a solution of water and dish soap. Spider mites are also common pests that live on the undersides of leaves and can be managed by spraying the plant with water or using insecticidal soap.
Thrips are tiny insects that feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant. Infestations can cause deformed growth and discoloration of the plant. It is important to regularly inspect plants for thrips and to remove any infected parts. Insecticides can also be used to control thrips.
Overall, to effectively manage diseases and pests in Rubber Rabbitbrush, it is important to regularly monitor the plant for signs of infection and to take appropriate measures to control their spread.
