Ericameria nauseosa
aka: Rabbitbush
A prominent bush round these parts, getting on the end of bloom season. Mixes in well with sage. Marking a transition from fall to winter, the flowers will give way to fluffy seed pods during the winter. Wide-spread from the western Great Plains to the Sierra/Cascades, from British Columbia to Mexico, from sea level to 9,000 ft in the Rockies, the plant is a source of natural rubber – although not in economically-feasible quantities.
It has been used as a source of dyes and medicine; sometimes smoked, sometimes a food source.
As “western” a plant as sagebrush or mesquite, it is a source of food for birds, antelope, rabbits, and other small mammals throughout the winter.
Here in my neck of the woods, DT, we’re waiting on the tamaracks to turn that glowing, golden color. Won’t be long, now. Most of the trees in my area have dropped a large percentage of their leaves, after providing us with brilliant displays both in the sun and rain. It’s been a lovely Fall, here.