How to Grow Forbs (Snakeweed & Rabbitbrush Mix)
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Forbs (Snakeweed & Rabbitbrush Mix)
Gutierrezia spp. & Chrysothamnus/Ericameria spp.
shrubA drought-tolerant rangeland mix of native forbs and shrubs adapted to arid and semi-arid environments. Snakeweed (Gutierrezia) and rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus/Ericameria) are pioneer species that stabilize disturbed soils, provide wildlife habitat, and improve rangeland health. These plants are keystone species in rangeland restoration and erosion control.
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Example Forbs (Snakeweed & Rabbitbrush Mix) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Forbs (Snakeweed & Rabbitbrush Mix)
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Forbs (Snakeweed & Rabbitbrush Mix)
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 4-9, with greatest success in arid western regions (high plains to desert margins)
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Seed Germination & Seedling
2-4 weeksSeeds germinate in spring with warm soil temperatures; seedlings emerge with cotyledons and develop true leaves slowly. Rabbitbrush germinates at 60-80°F; snakeweed prefers warm temperatures.
Scarify or cold-stratify seeds for 30 days. Maintain light soil moisture during germination without waterlogging. Mulch lightly to prevent crust formation. Protect seedlings from excessive shade.
Establishment & Root Development
4-12 monthsSlow, steady growth of root systems and shoot structure. Plants develop deep taproots (especially snakeweed) and lateral root networks. Minimal aboveground growth the first year is normal.
Water deeply but infrequently (every 10-14 days if no rain) during first growing season. Reduce frequency in year 2. Remove competing weeds by hand or mechanical means. Avoid nitrogen fertilization.
Vegetative Growth & Branch Development
6-18 monthsBush fills out with branching, foliage becomes dense. Snakeweed develops needle-like leaves; rabbitbrush develops narrow, linear foliage. Plants become increasingly drought-resistant.
Taper irrigation; minimal supplemental water after year 1 in arid regions. Monitor for competing weeds. Avoid pruning in first 2 years. Light grazing pressure beneficial for density (if using for rangeland).
Flowering & Seed Production
1-2 monthsSnakeweed produces small yellow flowers in late summer-fall (August-October); rabbitbrush flowers yellow in fall (September-November). Heavy seed set occurs in mature plants.
Allow plants to flower and set seed for wildlife and self-seeding. Minimal intervention needed. Plants may look stressed during drought and flowering—this is normal. Beneficial for pollinators and seed-eating birds.
Winter Dormancy & Mature Rangeland Shrub
4-6 monthsPlants enter dormancy; rabbitbrush may retain some foliage; snakeweed dies back partially. Established plants (3+ years) provide grazable forage, erosion control, and wildlife habitat year-round.
No supplemental water needed. Mature plants withstand heavy grazing or wildfires; recover quickly. Monitor for invasive species competition. Light dormant-season grazing acceptable.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Light browsing damage is normal; rarely requires control. Natural predators (birds, parasitic wasps) manage populations. Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides.
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and
(Orthoptera spp.)
Acceptable forage loss in rangeland systems. Heavy grazing pressure by livestock reduces cover and access; rotation prevents overuse. Biological control via rangeland predators.
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Rare problem in drought-adapted plants. Not typically treated; heavy infestations indicate stressed plant—improve site conditions (drainage, spacing).
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Prevent via well-draining soil and moderate watering. Remove waterlogged plants. No chemical treatment recommended; ensure proper drainage and aeration.
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Expected in rangeland systems; part of wildlife interaction. Exclude livestock during establishment if needed. Fencing protects seedlings; remove once established (2-3 years).
Uses
Pollinator & Seed Food Source
WildlifeSnakeweed and rabbitbrush flowers attract native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators in late summer-fall when few other plants bloom. Seeds provide food for goldfinches, juncos, and other seed-eating birds through winter. [source]
Erosion Control & Rangeland Restoration
HouseholdBoth species stabilize soils, reduce erosion on disturbed lands, and improve hydrological function. Pioneer species rapidly establish on degraded rangeland, creating foundation for diverse plant communities. Used in post-fire restoration and reclamation of disturbed mining or construction sites. [source]
Livestock Forage & Browse
CulinarySnakeweed and rabbitbrush provide emergency browse forage for livestock and wildlife, especially in late fall and winter when grasses are dormant. Palatable to cattle, sheep, goats, and deer; contributes to rangeland carrying capacity. [source]
Traditional Ethnobotanical Uses
MedicinalSnakeweed historically used by Native American tribes as herbal remedy; rabbitbrush similarly applied for respiratory and digestive purposes. Modern scientific evidence is limited; primarily of ethnographic interest. [source]
Wildlife Habitat & Shelter
WildlifeDense growth provides shelter and nesting habitat for birds, small mammals, and insects. Root systems create microsites for soil microorganisms and mycorrhizal networks beneficial to ecosystem function. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Forbs are not harvested for culinary use but managed for rangeland productivity. Seed collection: allow plants to fully mature; collect ripe seed heads in late fall (October-November) before wind dispersal. For livestock grazing, rotational grazing (14-21 day rest periods) maintains vigor. Snakeweed provides dry-season forage when grass dormant; rabbitbrush browsed year-round by wildlife. For watershed restoration, seed collection and direct seeding into disturbed areas occurs fall-winter for spring germination. Do not graze newly established seedings until plants reach 3+ years maturity.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae) earned its name from historical folklore that snakes sheltered under the plant; it's non-toxic to humans but historically had mixed reputation in ranching communities (now recognized as important rangeland species).
- 🌱 Rabbitbrush blooms late in the season (September-November), providing crucial pollen and nectar when few other plants flower—it's a keystone species for fall pollinator survival in the high plains and western deserts.
- 🌱 Both plants accumulate selenium and other minerals from soil, making them indicator species for geochemical surveys; they're also used in phytoremediation projects to help restore contaminated rangeland.
Gardening Terms
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