Description
Larrea tridentata,
Creosote Bush (Native)
Perennial, drought-tolerant, evergreen shrub, 3 – 12 ft. tall. Found native in the Mojave, Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts of the S.W. US. Produces abundant yellow flowers in spring. Dominant or co-dominate species of most sites it is found on. Very heat and drought-tolerant. Grows on bajadas, slopes, valley floors, sand dune and arroyos from 500 – 5,000 ft. elev. usually in the 4 – 12 inch precip. zone. Grows on sandy, calcareous and alluvial soils. Provides good cover/shelter for wildlife and livestock. Unpalatable for livestock but plants and seeds do provide forage for wildlife. Very long-lived, as the average longevity of a creosote plant is 1,250 years at a study-site in Dateland, CA. Used for revegetation on adapted sites. Plant in spring or fall ¼ – ½ inch deep. 75,000 seeds/lb.
USDA: Plant Profile
