A bush by any other name would still smell

Creosote bush is one of the most common plant species found in North America deserts. Its leaves have a shiny coating that reflects sunlight. This helps keep the plant from losing water from evaporation. The Creosote bush gets its name from the strong smell it gives off after a rain. In Spanish, the Cresosote bush is called hediondilla; which means “little stinker.”

About
Wildlife Facts
Common Name:
Creosote
Scientific Name:
Larrea tridentata
Origin:
Southern Arizona
Color:
  • Yellow
Fun Facts:
  • Most creosotes are genetically diverse plants but sometimes a single individual, over many years, can become a clonal colony. (A group of genetically identical plants that have vegetatively reproduced in a specific location from one plant.)
  • King Clone is believed to be the oldest creosote at 11,700 years and deemed one of the world's oldest living organisms.
  • Native American used this plant medicinally for many ailments.
  • Chuckwalla baste in the sun on limbs of the creosote plant.
Plant Type:
  • Shrub
Endangered Status
Endangered Status
  • Extinct in Wild (EW)
  • Critically Endangered (CR)
  • Endangered (EN)
  • Vulnerable (VU)
  • Near Threatened (NT)
  • Least Concern (LC)
  • Not Evaluated (NE)
Hardiness Zones

The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location. The map is based on the average annual minimum winter temperature, divided into 10-degree F zones.

USDA Hardiness Zones

7a (0 °F to 5 °F)

7b (5 °F to 10 °F)

8a (10 °F to 15 °F)

8b (15 °F to 20 °F)

9a (20 °F to 25 °F)

9b (25 °F to 30 °F)

10a (30 °F to 35 °F)

10b (35 °F to 40 °F)