The whole plant exhibits a characteristic odor of creosote, from which the common name derives. The plant may get up to 13 feet tall and is comprised of slim, brown twiggy branches covered with alternate glossy yellowish-green leaves. J Altern Complement Med 2001;7:175-85.. View abstract. GENERAL BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Creosote bush is a native, drought-tolerant, evergreen shrub growing up to 13.2 feet (4 m) tall [].Its numerous branches are brittle and densely leafy at the tips [41,79].Because of leaf and stem alignment, creosote bush provides little shade during the full desert sunshine [].The leaves of creosote bush are thick, resinous, and strongly scented [8,61] . [22] The shrub is still widely used as an herbal medicine in Mexico. Ground heat compounds the young plants' susceptibility to water stress, and ground temperatures can reach upwards of 70 °C (160 °F). The tea made from this plant has a very strong, bitter taste, which usually limits its consumption. Creosote bush in the Chihuahuan Desert, Texas. Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) is one of the compounds in the resin found on creosotebush leaves. Creosote bush can withstand drought. Larrea tridentata called creosote bush and greasewood as a plant,[2] chaparral as a medicinal herb,[3] and gobernadora in Mexico. Here’s what you’ll find in this plant: Pinene – A compound found in pines; Limonene – Citrus Do not use in any form during pregnancy or lactation. Eventually, the old crown dies and the new one becomes a clonal colony from the previous plant, composed of many separate stem crowns all from the same seed. Creosote bush can live for 100 years and produces flowers most of the year followed by strange fuzzy silver fruits. The Creosote Bush is unique. One seed will create numerous crown stems, which create a colony. Creosote bush is considered to be very powerful herb. Germination is quite active during wet periods, but most of the young plants die very quickly unless water conditions are optimal. Do not use internally in patients with liver cirrhosis or hepatitis, since large doses of the capsules, pills or tea may cause liver necrosis. It is one of the best examples of a plant that tolerates arid conditions simply by its toughness. The leaves are small and waxy, and may drop off when the plant is under stress, as in severe droughts. [26], Cancer Research UK states: "We don't recommend that you take chaparral to treat or prevent any type of cancer."[27]. It is a flowering plant in the family Zygophyllaceae. Externally, it is employed as a wash for athlete’s foot, ringworm and other fungal skin infections, venereal disease and as a foot deodorant. The Creosote Bush has small (1-2 inch) pointy green leaves that are covered with a varnish. The leaves are small and coated with natural oils and wax to conserve water through slower evaporation. Creosote bush is the dominant shrub over most of … Before you decide to take any medicinal herb or herbal supplement, be sure to consult with your health care professional first. Creosote bushes have very tiny waxy leaves so they don't lose moisture to evaporation. [14][15] It is within the Creosote Rings Preserve of the Lucerne Valley and Johnson Valley.[14]. The branches terminate in flat fans of leaves which tend to be fewer in number, but larger than those of the other ecotypes. Waxy coating on creosote leaves prevents water loss and protects the plant from being eaten by most mammals and insects. It competes aggressively with other plants for water, and usually wins, accounting for its prevalence in many arid locations of the southwest. During dry periods, creosote leaves fold in half to cut their exposure to the sun. In the past, I have made enjoyable tea with creosote bush twigs, leaves and blossoms. 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