Yellow Rabbitbrush

Yellow rabbitbrush, Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, is a plant common to sagebrush territory. Today, it was looking decidedly beige, rather than yellow, but it was still identifiable in its round bushiness.

Utah State University plant website states that deer, pronghorn and elk sometimes browse on this species of rabbitbrush especially in the winter, so it must have some nutrients locked away in the tan. It seems unclear whether this plant provides tasty meals for the rabbits it is named after or merely provides them some helpful protection from the elements and predators.

Yellow rabbitbrush can also be called 'Douglas rabbitbrush' or 'green rabbitbrush'.  Once June comes around, it becomes a pleasant green color.   According to greatbasinseeds.com, rabbitbrush is "used as a reclamation species [that] establishes quickly and produces good cover for wildlife and excellent erosion control."

Summertime brings bright yellow blooms that make for a cheerful display and explain the yellow of the name.

The blooms last well into the autumn, attracting bees, moths, butterflies, and photographers.  Last September, a golden northern bumblebee had the nerve to photo bomb the following picture of pretty yellow blossoms.