Where does Chamisa naturally grow?

Chamisa is native to 19 states across the western and central United States, from Washington and Oregon south to California and Texas, and east to Kansas and the Dakotas.

When does Chamisa bloom?

Chamisa produces its characteristic bright yellow flower clusters from July through September, providing late-season nectar when many other plants have finished blooming.

What pollinators visit Chamisa?

Chamisa attracts a variety of pollinators including native bees, butterflies, and moths. Its late summer bloom period makes it particularly valuable for fall-migrating butterflies.

How much water does Chamisa need?

Chamisa is highly drought-tolerant once established and thrives in low-water conditions. It is well-adapted to arid and semi-arid climates of the American West.

Is Chamisa toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Chamisa as toxic to livestock.

Is Chamisa HOA-friendly?

Chamisa takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Chamisa

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ericameria nauseosa

Last reviewed: June 2026

Chamisa (Ericameria nauseosa) is a drought-tolerant native shrub found across the western United States that produces masses of bright yellow flowers from July through September, attracting bees and butterflies.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Chamisa as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

24"–60" H × 24"–48" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 14 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Sonoran Basin and Range

Rabbitbrush is a drought-tolerant native shrub with silvery-green foliage and masses of bright yellow flowers in late summer and fall. This hardy plant thrives in poor soils and requires minimal water once established. Its evergreen leaves provide year-round structure in the landscape.

Growing Chamisa

Grow Chamisa in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 24 to 48 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Chamisa takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Can appear weedy or unkempt to traditional landscaping preferences
May be perceived as too wild or unmanicured for formal front yards
Flowers fade to brown seed heads that some find unsightly

Wildlife value

The abundant yellow flowers are a crucial late-season nectar source for bees, butterflies, and moths when few other plants are blooming. This plant is especially valuable for supporting pollinators during fall migration periods.

Common questions

Where does Chamisa naturally grow?: Chamisa is native to 19 states across the western and central United States, from Washington and Oregon south to California and Texas, and east to Kansas and the Dakotas.
When does Chamisa bloom?: Chamisa produces its characteristic bright yellow flower clusters from July through September, providing late-season nectar when many other plants have finished blooming.
What pollinators visit Chamisa?: Chamisa attracts a variety of pollinators including native bees, butterflies, and moths. Its late summer bloom period makes it particularly valuable for fall-migrating butterflies.
How much water does Chamisa need?: Chamisa is highly drought-tolerant once established and thrives in low-water conditions. It is well-adapted to arid and semi-arid climates of the American West.
Is Chamisa toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Chamisa as toxic to livestock.
Is Chamisa HOA-friendly?: Chamisa takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Chamisa? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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