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Botany

We field occasional botany questions, particularly where related to Chumash ethnobotany. Please direct pure botany questions to the expertise of our neighbors at Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.

Bush with leaves that have a unusual light hue

I was fortunate to finally pass this bush while it was in bloom. For several years I have passed it and always admired the color of the leaves which are a light combination of gray, blue, and green wrapped into a color that practically glows against the landscape on the Los Robles Trail in Newbury Park, Ca. I was wondering if any one could identify it? It is at least 1.5 miles away from the nearest house.

Kind regards,

Hans

Newbury Park, Ca

Hans, Newbury Park, Ca - June 25, 2022

Curator Response

Hi Hans,

I think this is Ericameria nauseosa variety hololeuca, White Rabbitbrush.

Ericameria nauseosa was formerly known as Chrysothamnus nauseosus. Searching online plant databases, I was able to find this plant under the new name. You might be interested in checking out those databases yourself as you solve other plant mysteries: CalFlora, CalScape, and CalPhotos (which extends beyond plants) are all excellent resources.

Stay curious,

Ethnobotanist and Curator Emeritus of Ethnology Jan Timbrook, Ph.D.