Edible use is minimal and historically rare. Seeds have been consumed in small quantities but are not practical or palatable. Overall edibility rating is very low. Taste, Processing & Kitchen Notes: Seeds are extremely small and surrounded by sharp, hairy cypselae with bristled pappi. Chewing is impractical and potentially irritating. When pounded and boiled, seeds can produce a thin beverage with minor caloric value, but the flavor is poor [2-3]. Seasonality (Phenology): Flowers appear in late summer to autumn. Seeds mature shortly thereafter. Safety & Cautions (Food Use): Contains resins and sesquiterpene lactones. Consumption may pose health risks. Not recommended [2-3]. Traditional / Indigenous Use Summary: Seeds are reportedly eaten by White Mountain Apache in limited contexts. More commonly used for ash production rather than direct food.

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See Ericameria nauseosa

The main species (Ericameria nauseosa ) is a source of latex, used in making rubber[46 , 61 , 95 ]. There is no commercially viable method of extracting it as yet[212 ]. This species has been identified as one of the more promising species from western N. America for the production of biocrude (hydrocarbon and hydrocarbon-like chemical fraction of plants which may be extracted by organic solvents and upgraded to liquid fuels and chemical feedstocks). Finding the cyclohexane extract to be 15.1%, the ethanol extract 20.8%, McLaughlin and Hoffmann (1982) calculated 13.2 kBTU/lb. in the extractables, a biomass yield of ca 4.5 MT/ha or 12.5 bbls, at a per barrel cost of $50.00 or $13.10/million BTU[269 ]. The leaves have been used as a sanitary towel, especially after childbirth[257 ]. A green dye is obtained from the bark[168 ]. A yellow-gold dye is obtained from the flowers[95 , 168 ]. The growing plant repels insects[99 ]. The cottony fruiting heads are used as a stuffing material for pillows etc[99 ]. Along with associated species, like big sage and western wheat grass, rubber rabbitbrush is a significant source of food for browsing wildlife on winter ranges. An ornamental xeriscaping shrub. Carbon Farming - Industrial Crop: hydrocarbon.

Special Uses