Creosote Bush

Creosote Bush:

COMMON NAME: Creosote Bush

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Larrea tridentata

DESCRIPTION:

Slow growing 6-8’, creosote forms has open airy form. The leaves are tiny pointed thick and waxy. This helps the shrub prevent moisture loss. The small yellow flowers are followed by pea-sized fruits with a fuzzy covering. It is an evergreen shrub that is fragrant after it rains.

Creosote is common on dry plains and slopes in the southwestern deserts of North America.

A ring of creosote is now believed to be the oldest living plant, 11,700 yrs.

Cultivation: Creosote is extremely drought tolerant once established and needs a sunny location. Growth is slow to moderate. It adapts to pruning and water to form a nice hedge. Pruning is recommended only to remove dead wood. Good in naturalistic desert landscapes, creosote is a nice color and texture contrast to cacti and succulents.


Print This Page   Email This Page