Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata)

How much light does a Creosote Bush need?

Creosote bush prefers full sun, which one source defines as six or more hours of direct sunlight a day. Part shade is also listed as a setting it accepts. The outdoor light range therefore runs from full sun to part shade, with full sun as the preferred end. Aim for direct sun for six or more hours a day if you want the preferred setting.

• Light: Full sun and part shade (full sun preferred)^1,2

How often to water a Creosote Bush

Creosote bush has a low water need, and its water category is dry. Dry is the only category on record, with no separate minimum or maximum beyond it. Its soil is listed as well drained and occasionally dry. One source describes the soil as loose, well-drained sand or loam.

• Water: Dry²

Best soil for a Creosote Bush

Creosote bush is listed for soil that is well drained and occasionally dry. One extension listing uses the wording good drainage. Another source describes loose, well-drained sand or loam, and names sandy, sandy loam, medium loam and caliche types. The listed soil pH runs from 6.0 to 8.0, which the source labels neutral. That band of pH 6 to 8 is the full listed range, and no other pH preference is recorded.

• Soil drainage: Well drained and occasionally dry^1,2
• Soil pH: pH 6–8¹

Hardiness and temperature

Creosote bush is listed for USDA hardiness zones 7a through 10b. The listing includes every half step between them: 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a and 10b. Zone 7a is the coldest zone on that list, and 10b is the warmest. Gardeners in zones 7 and warmer, up to zone 10, fall inside the listed range.

• Hardiness: Zones 7a–10b^3,1

How to plant a Creosote Bush

Plant creosote bush in USDA zones 7a to 10b, the range listed for it. It matures to about 5 ft (1.52 m) high, and its growth rate is slow. It is a shrub, and its native status in the lower 48 US states is native. Its flowers are small, yellow and velvety. Full sun is the preferred light, with part shade also listed, and the soil should be well drained.

• Hardiness: Zones 7a–10b^3,1

Winter care

Creosote bush is listed for USDA hardiness zones 7a through 10b, which covers eight half-zone steps. The coldest zone on its listing is 7a, and the warmest is 10b. Zones colder than 7a fall outside the listed range. It is an evergreen shrub.

• Hardiness: Zones 7a–10b^3,1

How to propagate a Creosote Bush

Seed is the propagation method listed for creosote bush. A source describes the seed coat as hard and states that scarification of the coat induces germination. No cuttings, division or layering methods are listed for this shrub. Starting a new plant from seed is therefore the documented route.

• Propagation: Seed^1,2,1

Common problems

The one common pest on record for creosote bush is the creosote gall midge. NC State Extension notes that galls may form from the activity of that midge. The same listing says there are no known diseases or insect pests otherwise. The list of common diseases on record is empty.

• Common pests: creosote gall midge¹
• Common diseases: ^3,1

Questions and answers

Is creosote bush toxic to cats and dogs?

The ASPCA lists creosote bush as non-toxic to cats and non-toxic to dogs. NC State Extension's plant toolbox tags it as non-toxic for both animals as well.

How much sun does creosote bush need?

Creosote bush prefers full sun, meaning six or more hours of direct sunlight a day. Part shade is also listed as a setting it accepts.

Which hardiness zones suit creosote bush?

Creosote bush is listed for USDA hardiness zones 7a through 10b. Zone 7a is the coldest on that list, and 10b is the warmest.