rabbitbrush

[ rab-it-bruhsh ]

noun

1. any of several composite shrubs of the genus Chrysothamnus, of the western U.S. and Mexico, having whitish, hairy branches and yellow flowers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rabbitbrush¹

1860–65; rabbit + brush ²; so called because it provides shelter for jackrabbits

Example Sentences

Perched on a broad alluvial fan dotted with rabbitbrush and Joshua trees, this ragtag community of artists, misanthropes and urban refugees has little time for politicians.

From Los Angeles Times

Orient yourself to the landscape and ancient history with the 3.6-mile Candy Mountain Trail, featuring interpretive markers so you can learn your sagebrush from rabbitbrush.

From Seattle Times

Many look for nectar on dandelion, rabbitbrush, Canada thistle, osier dogwood and chokecherry.

From Seattle Times

Sage, cedar and rabbitbrush covered large swaths of the course.

From Los Angeles Times

The administrative law judge in the Interior Department’s Office of Hearings and Appeals concluded that destroying sagebrush and rabbitbrush to increase livestock forage on public lands couldn’t be justified.

From Seattle Times