Sticky-leaf Rabbitbrush
Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus
Last reviewed: August 2026
Sticky-leaf Rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus) is a perennial shrub native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 9 more states. It blooms in July, August, and September. The flowers draw bees, butterflies, and beetles. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
Toxicity unknown
Sticky-leaf Rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Sticky-leaf Rabbitbrush as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–48" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 9 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Sticky-leaf rabbitbrush is a compact, drought-tolerant shrub that produces masses of bright yellow flowers in late summer and fall. This low-maintenance native thrives in full sun and poor soils, maintaining its evergreen foliage year-round. The dense clusters of small blooms create an impressive display when many other plants are finishing their season.
Growing Sticky-leaf Rabbitbrush
Grow Sticky-leaf Rabbitbrush in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 36 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Sticky-leaf Rabbitbrush is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, street edge.
- Can appear wild or unstructured to some HOAs
- Yellow flowers may clash with formal landscape palettes
Wildlife value
This shrub is a pollinator magnet during late summer blooming, attracting bees, butterflies, and beetles when few other nectar sources are available. The extended bloom period makes it particularly valuable for supporting pollinators preparing for winter.
Common questions
- How much sun does Sticky-leaf Rabbitbrush need?
- Sticky-leaf Rabbitbrush grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Sticky-leaf Rabbitbrush bloom?
- Sticky-leaf Rabbitbrush blooms in July, August, and September.
- Where is Sticky-leaf Rabbitbrush native?
- Sticky-leaf Rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 9 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Sticky-leaf Rabbitbrush toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Sticky-leaf Rabbitbrush as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Sticky-leaf Rabbitbrush attract?
- Sticky-leaf Rabbitbrush draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
- Is Sticky-leaf Rabbitbrush HOA-friendly?
- Sticky-leaf Rabbitbrush is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Sticky-leaf Rabbitbrush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz