Green Rabbitbrush, Yellow rabbitbrush

Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus

Physical Characteristics

Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Western N. America - southern British Columbia to California.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Condiment Gum A latex obtained from the root is used as a chewing gum[46, 61, 105, 257]. The plant has been used as a spice[257]. Edible Uses & Rating: Edible use is extremely limited. Roots have been chewed as gum or simmered into broth in rare historical contexts, but this use carries uncertainty and risk. Leaves and flowers are not edible. As a food plant, green rabbitbrush ranks very low and should be considered a last-resort survival resource only [2-3]. Taste, Processing & Kitchen Notes: Roots are woody at all stages of growth and splinter into sharp fibers when chewed. Simmered roots produce a broth with a faintly starchy, resinous flavor that is not unpleasant, but potential toxicity remains unknown. Flowers and leaves are intensely acrid and resinous, producing a burning sensation in the mouth and throat that boiling does not eliminate. These parts are not suitable for culinary use [2-3]. Seasonality (Phenology): Green rabbitbrush flowers primarily in late summer to early autumn, though vegetative growth persists year-round in many regions. Roots are accessible at any time of year, though this does not imply suitability for consumption. Safety & Cautions (Food Use): Rabbitbrush contains resins, latexes, and sesquiterpene lactones that may cause circulatory, respiratory, or digestive distress. These compounds are not reliably removed by cooking. Consumption is not recommended [2-3]. Traditional / Indigenous Use Summary: Roots were occasionally chewed as gum by Paiute and Goshiute groups. Use as food was rare and limited. The plant was never a dietary staple [2-3].

Medicinal Uses

Antirheumatic Odontalgic Poultice A poultice made from the chewed plant tips has been applied to boils and rheumatic joints[257]. An infusion of the leaves has been used to treat colds[257]. The finely mashed leaves have been inserted in tooth cavities to treat toothache[257].

Known Hazards

None known