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Creosote Bush

Larrea tridentata

true

1 gallon; 5 gallon

Creosote Bush

In stock

6’x8’

Sizes:

Creosote – Larrea tridentata
Also known as: Greasewood; Gobernadora

Creosote is the scent of rain in the desert. This tough, evergreen shrub is found across nearly all flatlands of the arid West, from the Mojave and Sonoran deserts into the Chihuahuan, up to elevations of 5,000 feet. In native habitats, it grows openly with sparse foliage and woody stems, but with supplemental water, it becomes much fuller and grows more rapidly. Its durability and adaptability make it one of the best foundational plants for native gardens.

The small, resinous leaves are adapted to conserve moisture and deter herbivores. In spring—and sporadically throughout the year—creosote bursts into bloom with small, five-petaled yellow flowers that are followed by fuzzy white seed capsules. The plant thrives in full sun and well-draining sandy or gravelly soils. While extremely drought-tolerant, young transplants benefit from occasional deep watering during establishment.

Creosote is widely regarded as one of the most ecologically important native plants in the desert Southwest. It is said to support more local wildlife than any other plant, providing food, shelter, and nesting sites for an incredible variety of desert species. It is also a key part of the local monarch plant community - monarch (Danaus plexippus) butterflies have been observed nectaring on its blooms.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: Western Tussock Moth (Orgyia vetusta); Asphondylia auripila (Creosote Gall Midge)
Nectar Source: Western Pygmy Blue (Brephidium exilis); Marine Blue (Leptotes marina); Monarch (Danaus plexippus)
Bird Resources: Shelter; Nest; Seeds; Nectar
Bird Species: Verdins (Auriparus flaviceps); Black-throated Sparrows (Amphispiza bilineata); Cactus Wrens (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus); Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna); Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae)
Other Wildlife: While not a food source for the Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), this plant provides essential habitat value by offering shade and cover and is commonly used as a site for burrows.

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native; Mojave Desert

Water needs:

Very Low

Exposure:

Full Sun; Reflected Heat

Mature size:

6’x8’

Growth rate:

Slow

Flower color:

Yellow

Flower season:

Spring; Fall

Pruning:

None needed but may prune to shape

Cold Hardiness:

0 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Yes

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Yes

Nest materials:

Yes

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Tortoises:

Yes

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.