When does creosote bush bloom?

Larrea tridentata generally flowers from March through August, with the heaviest bloom often occurring after rain events in the desert Southwest.

How much water does creosote bush need once established?

Larrea tridentata is adapted to arid conditions and needs little to no supplemental water once it is established in the landscape.

What pollinates creosote bush flowers?

Bees, including several solitary desert bee species, are the main pollinators of Larrea tridentata flowers.

Does creosote bush drop its leaves in winter?

No, Larrea tridentata is evergreen and keeps its small waxy leaves through the year, though it may shed some leaves under severe drought stress.

What growing conditions suit creosote bush best?

Larrea tridentata does best in full sun, well drained soil, and low water conditions typical of hot, dry desert climates.

Is Creosote Bush toxic to livestock?

Creosote Bush is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.

Is Creosote Bush HOA-friendly?

Creosote Bush takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Creosote Bush

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Larrea tridentata

Last reviewed: October 2026

Larrea tridentata is a drought tolerant desert shrub that blooms yellow from March through August and grows best in full sun with very little water.

Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-08-15). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Creosote Bush is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats at a slight level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

36"–72" H × 36"–48" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, KS and 6 more states

Pollinators

bees

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range North American Deserts Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southern Texas Plains Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Creosote bush is an iconic desert shrub with small, waxy leaves that give off a distinctive resinous scent, especially after rain. It produces small yellow flowers for much of the growing season and maintains its evergreen foliage year-round in harsh desert conditions.

Growing Creosote Bush

Grow Creosote Bush in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 36 to 72 inches tall and spread 36 to 48 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Creosote Bush takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Height exceeds typical HOA-friendly range

Wildlife value

The long blooming period provides nectar for bees and other pollinators throughout spring and summer. Seeds provide food for desert wildlife including quail and small mammals.

Common questions

When does creosote bush bloom?: Larrea tridentata generally flowers from March through August, with the heaviest bloom often occurring after rain events in the desert Southwest.
How much water does creosote bush need once established?: Larrea tridentata is adapted to arid conditions and needs little to no supplemental water once it is established in the landscape.
What pollinates creosote bush flowers?: Bees, including several solitary desert bee species, are the main pollinators of Larrea tridentata flowers.
Does creosote bush drop its leaves in winter?: No, Larrea tridentata is evergreen and keeps its small waxy leaves through the year, though it may shed some leaves under severe drought stress.
What growing conditions suit creosote bush best?: Larrea tridentata does best in full sun, well drained soil, and low water conditions typical of hot, dry desert climates.
Is Creosote Bush toxic to dogs?: Creosote Bush is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Creosote Bush toxic to cats?: Creosote Bush is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is Creosote Bush toxic to livestock?: Creosote Bush is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
Is Creosote Bush HOA-friendly?: Creosote Bush takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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