Creosote Bush

Creosote-bush is a 3-5 ft., evergreen shrub that can reach 10 ft. and has numerous flexible stems usually arising from the base at an angle. Its slender, irregularly branching stems bear tiny, rich-green, aromatic leaflets. The small, compound leaves, 1/5-2/5 inch long, comprise two leaflets. They are opposite, united at the base, pointed at the tip, dark to yellowish-green, strong-scented, and often sticky with resin. These provide a background for small but prolific, yellow, velvety flowers, followed by fluffy, white fruit. May flower year-round, following rains.

Creosote Bush is the most characteristic species of the hot deserts of North America. Its spice fills the air following rains. Decoctions from its leaves are used as antiseptics and emetics. Many "bunches" of plants are clones. The foliage hides species of grasshoppers, praying mantids, and crickets that occur only on this plant.