Species specifics: Rabbitbrush

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Fast facts about rabbitbrush

A native woody shrub commonly found across arid western rangelands and dry pasture acres.
Brush grows up to 4 feet tall with narrow gray-green leaves and bright yellow flower clusters.
Thrives in drought-stressed, disturbed and overgrazed areas where desirable forage is weakened.

What to look for

Rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus genus) is a woody shrub native to arid western rangelands and is commonly found spreading across open pastures, roadsides and unmanaged grazing ground.

Depending on the species and growing conditions, rabbitbrush can grow up to 4 feet tall and often forms dense clusters that compete with desirable forage for moisture and space. The plant is recognized by its narrow, alternate leaves that attach to the stem with short petioles. Leaves are typically gray green to green in color and may appear somewhat fuzzy or resinous depending on the species. Mature plants develop multiple upright stems from a woody base, creating a rounded or irregular shrub shape.

Rabbitbrush is often easiest to identify later in the growing season when bright yellow flower clusters begin to emerge near the ends of branches. Flowers commonly contain 5-to-6-disc florets and can give infested areas a noticeable yellow appearance in late summer and fall. Once established, rabbitbrush can spread across disturbed or drought-stressed areas where desirable grasses are already under pressure.

Where it’s found

Rabbitbrush is native throughout much of the western United States and is especially common in dry rangeland environments with low annual rainfall. The shrub is frequently found across the Great Plains, Intermountain West, desert Southwest and other semi-arid grazing regions where drought conditions and reduced forage competition allow woody species to expand.

It is commonly found in open pastures, overgrazed rangeland, roadside ditches, fence lines and disturbed sites with well-drained soils. Rabbitbrush is especially well adapted to sandy, rocky or shallow soils and can tolerate harsh environmental conditions that limit the growth of more desirable forage species.

Because rabbitbrush thrives in stressed or undermanaged pasture environments, increasing populations can sometimes signal declining range condition or reduced grass competitiveness. When left unmanaged, dense stands may limit grazing access, reduce forage production and make pasture management more difficult over time.

How to treat it

Herbicide applications should be made post-bloom in late summer to early fall with Tordon® 22K herbicide at 2 to 3 pints per acre. An addition of 2,4-D at 1-pound active ingredient per acre may increase control.

Tordon® 22K is a Restricted Use Pesticide.

Tordon 22K is not registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Always read and follow label directions.