Ericameria is a genus of North American shrubs in the family Asteraceae. Ericameria is known by the common names goldenbush, rabbitbrush, turpentine bush, and rabbitbush. Most are shrubs, but one species (E. parishii) can reach tree stature. They are distributed in western Canada (Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia) western United States (from the western Great Plains to the Pacific) and northern Mexico. Bright yellow flower heads adorn the plants in late summer. All the species have disc florets, while some have ray florets but others do not. Ericameria nauseosa, (synonym Chrysothamnus nauseosus), is known for its production of latex.

Etymology

Ericameria is based on the genus name Erica and the Greek word meros ('part'), in reference to the similarity of the plant's leaves to those of Erica.

Uses

This genus has a number of admirable landscape plants for heavily alkaline soils, but most species need extensive rejuvenation pruning every three years, making not ideal for common yards. Overwatering will kill the plants. Ericameria species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Schinia argentifascia, Schinia tertia, Schinia unimacula and Schinia walsinghami.

Selected species

Ericameria section Asiris

Ericameria section Ericameria

Ericameria section Macronema