Douglas rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus) displays bright yellow flower heads above green leaves in late September and October. Plants along the new trail loop contrast with their close relative, the gray rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus) that have wooly white hairs on the leaves and stems giving the illusion of gray foliage

Rabbits have not been observed eating any part of the plant although the low spreading brush may provide protection from weather and predators.