Larrea

Description

Larrea is a desert plant that is commonly found in North and South America. It is also known as creosote bush or greasewood. The plant is well adapted to arid and semi-arid climates and is very drought tolerant. The leaves of the plant have a resinous coating that helps to reduce water loss through transpiration.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Larrea is a shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall. The leaves are small, about 0.4 inches long, and are covered in a resinous coating. The flowers are yellow and bloom in the spring and summer. The fruit is a small, dry capsule that contains one or two seeds. The plant has a distinctive odor that is often described as a mixture of turpentine and creosote.

Care Guide

Larrea is a very low maintenance plant. It is drought tolerant and does not require much water. However, it is important to water the plant occasionally during the growing season to encourage growth. The plant prefers well-draining soil and does not tolerate wet feet. Fertilization is not necessary, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer can be applied in the spring. The plant prefers full sun and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Larrea is not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by spider mites, scale insects, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be affected by root rot if it is planted in soil that does not drain well.

Habitat

Larrea is native to the deserts of North and South America. It is commonly found in the Mojave, Sonoran, and Chihuahuan deserts in the United States and Mexico. The plant is also found in the Atacama Desert in Chile and Peru.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Larrea toxic to humans or animals?

A: No, Larrea is not toxic to humans or animals.

Q: Can Larrea be grown indoors?

A: Yes, Larrea can be grown indoors as long as it is provided with enough sunlight.

Q: Does Larrea have any medicinal properties?

A: Yes, Larrea has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments including coughs, colds, and arthritis.

Q: How long does it take for Larrea to grow from seed?

A: Larrea can take up to two years to germinate from seed, and it can take several years for the plant to reach its full size.

Related Plants

• Zygophyllum fabago
• Zygophyllum dumosum
• Zygophyllum album

References

• “Creosote Bush.” National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, www.nps.gov/jotr/learn/nature/creosote-bush.htm.
• “Larrea tridentata.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280812.
• Shreve, F. & Wiggins, I.L. (1964) Vegetation and Flora of the Sonoran Desert, Vol. 1. Stanford University Press, Stanford, CA.