Green or Yellow Rabbitbrush

Yellow rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus), also called green rabbitbrush, is a western North American shrub with narrow leaves and clusters of small yellow flowers. It provides late-summer and fall forage for butterflies and can add bright seasonal color to dry, open plantings. ## Size and Use The USDA NRCS guide gives a mature height range of 20–100 cm, or about 0.7–3.3 feet. Colorado State University Extension describes rabbitbrush shrubs as roughly two to four feet tall and two to six feet wide. Use this adaptable native in open, naturalistic plantings or restoration areas, leaving room for its spread and seedling recruitment. [USDA NRCS](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/plantmaterials/idpmcpg11104.pdf) and [Colorado State University Extension](https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/trees-shrubs-vines/1741-rabbitbrush/) provide species and garden guidance. ## Growing Conditions Give rabbitbrush full sun and well-drained, coarse to medium soil. The USDA guide reports growth in soils with pH 7.0–8.5 and elevations from about 2,600 to 11,000 feet. Established plants suit dry climates; excessive water and fertilizer can make garden plants overly vigorous. ## Maintenance Cut back in early spring to help maintain a dense, rounded form. CSU Extension notes that rabbitbrush is flammable, so place it well away from buildings and other fire-sensitive areas.