Habitat
Rubber rabbitbrush can be found in desert and mountainous regions of the West. It is extremely drought tolerant and has different adaptations to many soil types making it a choice for xeriscaping. In the deserts of Utah where the soils are a bit saline, Rubber rabbitbrush grows readily. It can be found amongst Artemisia tridentata (big sagebrush), Sarcobatus vermiculatus (greasewood) and Atriplex spp. These plants are very resilient in response to attempts at controlling the populations. They recover quickly from fires and spout new plants quickly thereafter.
Uses
The plant was used at one time as a source of natural rubber. That is no longer the case since rubber can be synthesized. Jackrabbits are often seen using this plant as cover and will nibble on it in times of low food. Due to acrid resins found in the plant, few animals will eat it. Native Americans used the root of the plant as chewing gum. This species has been identified as one of the more promising species from western N. America for the production of biocrude.