Larrea tridentata

Identification

Description

Larrea tridentata, Creosote Bush. Because there is a South American form (Larrea divaricata) of Creosote Bush the scientific name seems to get changed back a forth by every botanist that packs a crayon.(Larrea divaricatum subs. tridentata, Zygophyllum tridentatum, Covillea tridentata, Schroeterella tridentata, Neoschroetera tridentata, Larrea glutinosa, ) Creosote Bush is an evergreen shrub of the deserts. Slowly grows to 6' tall and 8' wide. A very drought tolerant desert plant that adapts to pruning, and water to become an excellent patio shrub or hedge. This bush has a delightful fragrance. The air is filled with a clean pine scent after a summer rain. A group of these plants are now believed to be the oldest living things, 11,700 years old (Vasek, Fremontia 7, 3-10). This plant has done well here with no water after the first watering. Not superfast it has grown here a foot a year and considering we haven't lifted a finger towards it in 2 years it looks great. Creosote inhibits competition by forming water-repellent soils (see Cercidium floridum). Many people believe the leaf to have curing properties, BUT it can cause hepatotoxicity(hepatitis) after two weeks of use.(Grant, et. al. 1998) In South America the Creosote lives in an area much like it does in the United States and Mexico. Barren except in spring when the desert comes alive with perennial and annual wildflowers. The South American form is even associated with similar shrubs and trees, notably Atriplex, Prosopis, Acacia, Cassia and Cercidium.

Available at our Online store.

Available at our Santa Margarita store.

Available at our Escondido store.