Plant profile

Creosote bush

Genus Larrea

Creosote bush (genus Larrea) is a tough, sun-loving shrub known for its small yellow flowers and resin-scented leaves. It’s best for dry, open spaces where you want a low-water plant that can still offer nectar and pollen when in bloom.

Plant Type

Shrubs > Creosote bush

Aliases

Creosote bush

Native Range

Arid regions of North America (varies by species within the genus).

Bloom window

Blooms can appear in warm seasons, often following moisture.

Overview Summary Impact Recognition Location Requirements Glossary Get Involved

OVERVIEW

About This Plant

Creosote bush (genus Larrea) is best treated as a “right plant, right place” shrub: it shines in bright sun and fast-draining soil, and it struggles when kept too wet. In a low-water garden, it can provide dependable structure and, when it blooms, a simple food source for visiting insects.

If you’re building a pollinator-friendly planting, think of creosote bush as the woody backbone. Pair it with a mix of flowering perennials and annuals that bloom at different times so there’s something in flower across the warm season. Keep care simple: good drainage, lots of sun, and minimal watering once established.

Best role for pollinators

Sunny, dry gardens; low-water landscapes; hot, reflective spots where many plants struggle.

Creosote bush (*Larrea* spp.) — https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/591595061 Photo: (c) caffinatedsancho, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC) | CC-BY-NC | iNaturalist

FAST FACTS

Quick Details

Essential stats and requirements for quick reference.

Category	Details
Also known as	Creosote bush
Bloom window	Blooms can appear in warm seasons, often following moisture.
Typical height	Medium shrub (size varies by species and growing conditions).
Pollinators supported	Bees, Butterflies, Flies
Light & moisture	Full sun; dry to very dry soil once established.
Best roles for pollinators	Sunny, dry gardens; low-water landscapes; hot, reflective spots where many plants struggle.

SUMMARY

If You Remember Three Things

A quick scan of what they do, what they need, and the best first step.

What they do

Creosote bush adds year-round structure and can provide nectar and pollen during bloom periods.

What they need

Bright sun, fast-draining soil, and a light hand with watering.

One best action

Plant it in the sunniest, best-drained spot you have and avoid frequent irrigation.

IMPACT

Why Plant This?

Creosote bush is a durable shrub that can support pollinators during bloom while also adding long-lasting structure to a low-water garden.

Creosote bush leaves are coated in natural resins that help the plant handle intense sun and dry air.

Key Impacts

What it Supports

Shrubs create “layers” in a garden, offering shelter and wind protection for smaller plants and insects.
When it blooms, creosote bush can add another food stop for pollinators in dry landscapes.
Low-water plants can help you build a pollinator-friendly space that’s easier to maintain.

RECOGNITION

Identification Guide

Look for a rounded, woody shrub with small, shiny leaves and simple yellow flowers.

Leaves

Small, paired leaflets that are often glossy and resin-coated; aromatic when warmed by sun or after rain.

Flowers

Small yellow flowers with five petals; blooms may appear in warm seasons, often after moisture.

Fruits

Small, fuzzy or tufted seed structures may form after flowering (appearance varies by species).

LOCATION

Where It Grows

Native environments and the best spots to place it in your landscape.

Habitats

Desert scrub
Dry, open plains
Rocky, well-drained slopes

Where it is often used

Low-water shrub border
Sunny foundation planting (where heat reflects)
Wildlife-friendly structure in a dry garden
Erosion-prone, well-drained slopes

SEASONALITY

When It Blooms

Notes on bloom windows and how this plant helps pollinators across the seasons.

Bloom window

Bloom timing can vary with local conditions and moisture.

Bloom Season Role: A hardy shrub that can offer blooms when conditions are right.

Seasonal benefits

Adds variety to a pollinator planting that includes mostly perennials and annuals
Can provide forage during warm, dry periods when fewer plants are flowering

REQUIREMENTS

What It Needs

The right mix of sun, soil, and space for healthy growth.

Sun exposure

Full sun is best; shade can reduce vigor and flowering.

Soil type

Fast-draining, sandy or rocky soils are ideal; avoid heavy, water-holding soil.

Moisture needs

Water lightly while establishing; once established, let the soil dry between waterings and avoid frequent irrigation.

Planting method

Choose a hot, open spot with good drainage; give it room for airflow and its mature width.

Mulching tips

Use a thin layer of gravel or coarse mulch if needed; keep mulch away from the stem to prevent rot.

GARDENING GUIDE

How to Grow It

Simple steps to plant, prune, and maintain healthy trees without pesticides.

Planting tips

Pick the sunniest location you have with fast-draining soil.
Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and a bit wider.
Set the plant so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill gently and water once to settle the soil.
Let the area dry out between waterings as the plant establishes.

Seasonal care

Water sparingly; too much water is a common cause of decline.
Prune lightly to shape after flowering or during mild weather; avoid heavy pruning into old wood.
Keep weeds and thick mulch away from the base to improve airflow.
Skip fertilizers unless a soil test shows a need—rich feeding can encourage weak, floppy growth.