| Creosote Bush | |
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The hardy creosote bush, Larrea tridentata, is so widespread that you might call it the symbol of the American desert. Early spring shows it at its greenest, but it is never a lush-looking plant. It's more impressive en masse than as individuals.
Its tiny, resinous leaves are built to withstand heat and drought, but the creosote's secret weapon is in the roots. These spread wide and deep to scavenge moisture, and they secrete toxins that discourage other plants—even other creosote bushes. The only exception is a clone of itself. There are large rings of creosote clones that are thousands of years old.
Creosote (CREE-a-sote) is a tarry wood preservative that has nothing to do with this plant, except a similarity in odor. But the bush's distinctive aroma is not unpleasant.
(c) Copyright 2002 Andrew Alden, licensed to About.com, Inc.
