Dwarf Rubber Rabbitbrush

Dwarf Rubber Rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa var. nauseosa) is a pint-sized powerhouse for dry, sunny landscapes. Its compact, rounded form—topping out around 2½ feet—stays neat and upright without sprawling, making it ideal for rock gardens, park strips, xeric borders, and erosion-prone slopes. Silvery-blue stems and foliage add brightness and texture year-round, while late summer delivers a cheerful burst of golden-yellow blooms that support native bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds—just when many other plants are fading.

Tough, deep-rooted, and naturally cold-hardy, this variety thrives with very little input once established. It’s an excellent option for gardeners looking to add structure, seasonal color, and pollinator value without ongoing maintenance. Just give it full sun and well-drained soil, and consider a light annual shearing to refresh its shape. For an easy-care, drought-tolerant combo, pair it with blue grama grass, globemallow, or sulfur buckwheat and enjoy a resilient, waterwise landscape humming with life.

Photo, cropped: Colin Meurk