Creosotebush, Greasewood
Larrea tridentata (DC.) Cov.
Zygophyllaceae (Caltrop family)
Description
An evergreen, aromatic shrub in the Caltrop family, creosotebush generally grows from 3 to 6 feet high and sometimes to 11 feet. It is extremely shallow rooted and drought tolerant.
When mature, the stems are rough and dark gray to black; young twigs are brown and flexible with large, dark nodes that give the plant a jointed appearance.
The leaves of creosotebush are dark green, pointed at the tips and situated in pairs across from each other on the stem. If rainfall is adequate, yellow flowers occur from spring through summer.
The shrub provides poor forage for livestock and wildlife.
Habitat
Creosotebush is commonly found in shallow soils with underlying hardpan (a layer of hard soil or clay) in the Trans-Pecos Region of Texas.
Images
Plant Characteristics
Flower Color: Yellow
Seed Type: Fruit/Berry
Duration: Perennial
Stem Texture: Hairless/Smooth
Growth Habit: Shrub (Woody)
Leaf Shape
: Simple with Pinnate or Parallel Venation
Season: Warm
Distribution
: 06 - South Texas Plains, 07 - Edwards Plateau, 10 - Trans-Pecos
Distributions
Distribution refers to the ecological region in Texas that a plant has been found. You can also view a clickable map.
Book: Brush and Weeds of Texas Rangelands (B-6208)
Collection: Brush and Weeds
