Creosote Bush, Gobernadora

Scientific Name: Larrea tridentata (Sesse & Moçiño ex DC.) Coville
Synonym: Covillea divaricata, Larrea divaricata, Zygophyllum tridentatum
Family: Zygophyllaceae

Recommended Temperature Zone:
Sunset®: 10-13,19
USDA: 7-11

Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 0°F (-18°C)

Heat Tolerance: Excellent

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: Southwestern USA, south to central Mexico, southern South America

Growth Habits: Straggly evergreen shrub, slowly growing to 6-8 feet tall (2 m), 6 feet wide (1.8 m); alternate leaves with 2 leaflets, 0.5 to 1 inch long (12-25 mm), with a creosote fragrance when wet

Watering Needs: Can survive without any added water, with some water it takes a rounded, denser shape

Propagation: Seeds, transplanting of existing plant is difficult, as is growing it from seed.

The secretion on the leaves, give them a varnished look. It is responsible for the creosote smell, particularly when wet. The Creosote Bush also release herbicides that prevent most plants to grow below it.
Larrea divaricata, here considered a synonym, is the name given to the South American members of the species.

Blooming Habits:
Large number of small yellow flowers, up to 0.8 inch wide (2 cm) mostly in spring, followed by a silvery, fuzzy 5-celled seed pod, 0.25 inch in diameter (6 mm).