Shrubs - Creosote

Large growing native durable evergreen shrubs. A shrubby symbol of the southwest, creosote bush occurs on rocky slopes, desert plains and mesas from low deserts up to 5000 ft. in elevation in pockets across the southwest. Only dropping out where rainfall amounts increase, and cold temperatures prevent their establishment. They are slow to moderate growing, primarily evergreen with some leaf drops during cold of winter and during summer drought. In urban landscapes with supplemental irrigation plants grow faster and hold their foliage well to become dense, dark green foundational shrubs. Light gray, woody upright stems hold small, resinous distinctively fragrant shiny leaves. Small yellow blooms appear heavily in spring and sporadically during summer monsoon rains. Flowers are followed by small round seed capsules covered with fuzzy silver cilia that glisten in the sun. Give them room to grow and never shear them. Simply thin old branches to encourage new lush growth from the center.

Scientific name:  Larrea tridentata

Mature size:  up to 8 ft. high x 5-6 ft. wide

Sun:  Full sun