Creosote bush Larrea tridentata
Creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Zygophyllaceae family, native to Mojave, Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts (the dominant shrub). It grows 1–2.5 m (3.3–8.2 ft) tall and 1–2.5 m (3.3–8.2 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -15 °C (5 °F). Space plants about 2 m (6.6 ft) apart.
Plan Creosote bush in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Creosote bush at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Zygophyllaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2.5 m (3.3–8.2 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–2.5 m (3.3–8.2 ft) |
| Spacing | 2 m (6.6 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 8 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–9 |
| Cold hardiness | About -15 °C (5 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 7) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 50 °C (122 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 6–13 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Mojave, Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts (the dominant shrub) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇲🇽 Mexico |
Is Creosote bush toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves
Resinous leaves (NDGA) are bitter; used medicinally but can harm the liver.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Creosote bush
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
See Creosote bush in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Desert Botanical Garden (18 plants)
Questions about Creosote bush
- How far apart should I plant Creosote bush?
- About 2 m (6.6 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–2.5 m (3.3–8.2 ft).
- Does Creosote bush need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 8 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Creosote bush need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Creosote bush?
- It tolerates about -15 °C (5 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 7.
- When does Creosote bush flower?
- From about March for 6–13 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Creosote bush poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Resinous leaves (NDGA) are bitter; used medicinally but can harm the liver.
- What grows well with Creosote bush?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Creosote bush. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Desert Botanical Garden plant collections and trails, Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
- Plants of the national parks (Saguaro, Joshua Tree, Redwood), US National Park Service
Notes and assumptions
- Desert plant: needs sharp drainage and little summer water once established; rots in wet, heavy soil.
- Gives the desert its "smell of rain"; clonal rings can be thousands of years old (King Clone, ~11,700 years).
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Desert date (soapberry tree, lalob) Balanites aegyptiaca
- Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
- Rhododendron Rhododendron
- Boxwood Buxus sempervirens
- Oleander Nerium oleander
- Common ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius
- Camellia Camellia japonica
- Gardenia Gardenia jasminoides