Creosote Bush
(Larrea divaricata)
Creosote Bush (Larrea divaricata)
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Guillermo Debandi
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Guillermo Debandi
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Guillermo Debandi | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Guillermo Debandi | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2018-03-26T11:31:34-07:00 |

























Estimated Native Range
Summary
Larrea divaricata, commonly known as Creosote Bush, is an evergreen shrub native to the arid deserts of the Southwestern United States and Mexico. It is well-adapted to desert ecosystems, where it thrives in open areas with well-drained soils. Typically, it grows up to 10 feet tall and wide, with a dense, rounded form. The stems are covered with small, dark green, resinous leaves that have a distinctive creosote-like odor, especially after rain. The yellow flowers bloom in the spring and are followed by small, fluffy, white fruits.
Creosote Bush is valued for its ability to survive in extreme desert conditions, requiring minimal water once established. It is used in xeriscaping and as a windbreak or privacy screen in arid regions. Its resinous leaves and wood are known for their medicinal properties, traditionally used by Native Americans. In cultivation, it prefers full sun and tolerates poor, rocky soils with excellent drainage. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can suffer from root rot if overwatered.CC BY-SA 4.0
Creosote Bush is valued for its ability to survive in extreme desert conditions, requiring minimal water once established. It is used in xeriscaping and as a windbreak or privacy screen in arid regions. Its resinous leaves and wood are known for their medicinal properties, traditionally used by Native Americans. In cultivation, it prefers full sun and tolerates poor, rocky soils with excellent drainage. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can suffer from root rot if overwatered.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 3-10 feet
- Width: 3-10 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Very Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
native to the arid deserts of the Southwestern United States and Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: Creosote Bush, Hediondilla, Jarilla, Gobernadora
Scientific Names: , Larrea divaricata, Covillea divaricata, Larrea divaricata f. subsericea, Larrea divaricata f. viscosa, Larrea monticellii, Larrea sanjuanina, Larrea sanjuanina, Neoschroetera divaricata, Schroeterella divaricata,
GBIF Accepted Name: