When does Larrea tridentata bloom?

Creosote Bush blooms from March through August, producing small yellow flowers that attract bees and other pollinators.

What growing conditions does Larrea tridentata prefer?

Creosote Bush thrives in full sun and requires very little water, making it well-adapted to desert and arid environments.

Where is Larrea tridentata native?

Creosote Bush is native to Texas and extends throughout the Chihuahuan, Sonoran, and Mojave deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

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: June 2026

Larrea tridentata (Creosote Bush) is a drought-tolerant evergreen shrub native to Texas and southwestern deserts. It produces small yellow flowers from March through August and attracts bees.

Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata) — Photo: (c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jim Morefield

Creosote Bush is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (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

Pollinators

bees

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California/Northern Baja Coast Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Southern Texas Plains Sonoran Basin and Range

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 Larrea tridentata bloom?: Creosote Bush blooms from March through August, producing small yellow flowers that attract bees and other pollinators.
What growing conditions does Larrea tridentata prefer?: Creosote Bush thrives in full sun and requires very little water, making it well-adapted to desert and arid environments.
Where is Larrea tridentata native?: Creosote Bush is native to Texas and extends throughout the Chihuahuan, Sonoran, and Mojave deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
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.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Does Creosote Bush fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.

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