Larrea tridentata - Creosote Bush

Larrea tridentata - Common creosote bush

Delicate and graceful in form, Creosote is an evergreen shrub of open-branching habit with slender, erratic stems bearing tiny, dark green leaves, composed of two leaflets. Very aromatic when wet, they perfume the air with an intriguing and refreshing desert aroma. A profusion of small, yellow, velvety flowers bloom on and off throughout the year followed by fluffy seeds covered with shiny white hairs. (during winter months, orders for Creosote must also include a Cold Weather Heat Pack to ensure safe shipping)

HANDLING & TRANSPLANTING

Although creosote bushes are considered to be some of the toughest plants on the planet, they can be sensitive to transplanting and root disturbances. To avoid transplant shock you should follow these simple steps.

• Prepare a planting hole or a slightly larger decorative pot with clean, well-draining cactus or palm soil mix.

• Do not squeeze, shake, or flip the plant to remove it from the pot. Most of the feeder root hairs are small, fibrous and can break easily. Instead, follow these guidelines:

• Gently set the plant on its side. With clippers or pruners, cut the bottom out of the plastic pot, all the way around from drainage hole to drainage hole.

• With one hand covering the bottom of the exposed root ball, set the plant into place. Then cut down the entire side of the pot from top to bottom and slip the plastic pot out. 

• Backfill around the root ball with additional soil and water the plant slowly and thoroughly.

Your new creosote will appreciate the care you take when transplanting it. Some yellow leaves and some leaf drop is normal. Water thoroughly as needed but allow the soil to dry out well between waterings. In cooler or humid climates, water creosote sparingly during the winter months. Most of our plants are started from seed in special Jiffy® starters. The starter may still be visible, DO NOT remove it! Your plant is rooted through it.

Growth Guide

These key details will help you understand how your plant will grow and what conditions bring out its best.

     Exposure: Full sun

    Watering:

     Mature Height: 8 feet

     Mature Width: 5-6 feet

     Ships: With soil

Where To Plant

USDA Hardiness Zones show which plants thrive in your climate based on average winter lows. The lower the number, the colder the region. Use the map below to find your zone and choose plants that will grow successfully year after year.

     Hardiness Zone: 8-11 (USDA)

Why Happy Valley Plants?

We're passionate about connecting people with the beauty of nature. From hand-selected plants to expert support and thoughtful packaging, we put care into every detail. Assuring your plants arrive healthy, happy, and ready to thrive.

     Packaged With Care

Your satisfaction matters to us. Each plant is hand-picked, wrapped, and packaged with precision to ensure it arrives safely and ready to grow. If something’s not right, reach out within 72 hours and we’ll do our best to make it right.

     Quality At A Fair Price

We believe great plants shouldn’t come with a premium price tag. Our goal is to make quality, hard-to-find plants accessible and affordable, so you can grow more for less.

     Horticultural Help

Need advice or have plant questions? Our expert team is always happy to help. We’re gardeners first and love sharing our knowledge. Explore our blog for growing tips and plant care guides.

PLANT VARIATIONS

Please note that no two plants are exactly the same, that’s what makes them so unique! There may be some slight variations in height, width, amount of leaves, etc. We do our best to ensure your plants are consistent and keep our listings updated. As these are live plants, they change frequently. 

SPECIAL REQUESTS

We have the ability to procure hundreds of varieties of plants from 2 inches to 5 gallons. If you do not see what you are looking for, please send us a message and we will see how we can assist you! Contact us

DOMESTIC USA SHIPPING

Our horticulture experts will determine if the plant needs to be shipped in soil, based on the particular species, size, and your hardiness zone. In general, agaves, cacti, and succulents will be shipped without soil, called “bare root.” (see below) We will find the best freight carrier to your address. While our top priority is a healthy, happy plant delivery, unfortunately, we have no control over how carriers handle our packages, nor where they are dropped off.

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING

All plants shipped beyond the USA mainland, including Alaska and Puerto Rico, will be shipped “bare root.” (see below) All plants shipped internationally, including Puerto Rico, require a Phytosanitary Certificate from the US Department of Agriculture.

Add the Phytosanitary certificate to your cart

Please check with your local customs department to see if you need any additional certifications, such as import permits. Note: while we have extensive experience and a track record of successful international plant shipments, we are unable to guarantee the plants' condition upon arrival.

BARE ROOT SHIPPING

This process simplifies shipping by dramatically decreasing the package weight, which keeps the cost of shipping as low as possible.