Quick answer: Creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) is native to 6 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seeds, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Eric in SF, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Low |
| Soil | Loose, well-drained sand/loam/caliche |
| Bloom | Mar-Sep (peak spring) |
| Height | 3-5 ft (to 10 ft) |
| Wildlife value | Nectar for native/bumble/honey bees, supports grasshoppers/mantids/crickets |
Produces allelopathic compounds -- inhibits growth of competing vegetation beneath it
none; dominant native shrub across the Southwest desert
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seeds via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Creosote bush
Where is Creosote bush native?
Creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) is native to Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas and Utah. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Creosote bush bloom?
Creosote bush blooms Mar-Sep (peak spring). Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Creosote bush need?
Light: Part shade. Water: Low. Soil: Loose, well-drained sand/loam/caliche. Mature height: 3-5 ft (to 10 ft).
Is Creosote bush good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Nectar for native/bumble/honey bees, supports grasshoppers/mantids/crickets.
Is Creosote bush deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Creosote bush is deer-resistant, drought-tolerant and tolerates shade.
Is Creosote bush toxic?
Produces allelopathic compounds -- inhibits growth of competing vegetation beneath it.
Where can I buy real Creosote bush seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seeds that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Larrea tridentata on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Creosote bush.
- Desert marigold Baileya multiradiata
- Firecracker penstemon Penstemon eatonii
- Rocky Mountain penstemon Penstemon strictus
- Brittlebush Encelia farinosa
- Silvery lupine Lupinus argenteus
- Apache plume Fallugia paradoxa
Also listed under
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