VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Chrysothamnus paniculatus  | Desert Rabbitbrush 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
Desert rabbitbrush communities provide a home for many bird species.  In
desert rabbitbrush washes in the Mojave Desert, winter bird densities
were 50 to 60 times higher and the number of species was eight times higher
than in the surrounding open desert.  At the same site, breeding bird
densities were 15 times higher with 6 times the number of species [4].


PALATABILITY : 
NO-ENTRY


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


COVER VALUE : 
Some arroyo habitats where desert rabbitbrush occurs provide den sites
for the desert tortoise [14].


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
Rabbitbrush species (Chrysothamnus spp.) are useful for erosion control
because of their deep roots, heavy litter production, and ability to
establish on harsh sites.  They establish well naturally from seed and
artifically by transplanting [20].  Desert rabbitbrush has been used for
revegetation of sulfur mine spoils in Nevada.  One year following
planting container-grown desert rabbitbrush on the Leviathan Mine in
Nevada, desert rabbitbrush showed 88 percent survival; 4 years later,
survival had decreased to 9 percent.  Desert rabbitbrush can be
transplanted on spoils without site preparation [5].


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
Desert rabbitbrush reportedly has a rubber content of 2.5 percent or
more [11].  

Rabbitbrush species are burned by the Hopi in religious ceremonies.  The
Hopi also use them in windbreaks, for making arrows, and in wicker work.
A yellow dye is obtained from the flowers, and a green dye from the
inner bark [11].


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
NO-ENTRY

Related categories for Species: Chrysothamnus paniculatus | Desert Rabbitbrush