Rabbitbrush flower heads are characterized by which feature?

• A. Flower heads are solitary at leaf axils
• B. Flower heads are in hanging catkins
• C. Flower heads are numerous and occur in clusters at the ends of branches
• D. Flowers are purple

Answer: (C)

Rabbitbrush stands out because its flower heads form numerous small blooms arranged in tight clusters at the ends of branches, giving a brushlike effect. This clustered, end-of-branch inflorescence is what most clearly identifies rabbitbrush. The flowers are typically yellow to pale cream, not purple, and you don’t see single heads perched alone at leaf axils or hanging in catkin-like groups. So the best description is that there are many heads in clusters at the tips of branches.