[Illustration: Larrea tridentata]
Common names: GREASEWOOD, CREOSOTEBUSH, (_HEDIONDILLA_)
Arizona, California, and Texas deserts: (_Larrea tridentata_). Yellow.
Spring.
Caltrop family. Size: Shrub, 2 to 8 feet high.
No one could justifiably question the statement that Creosotebush is the
most successful, widespread, and readily recognized desert plant of the
hot, arid regions of North America. It often occurs over wide areas in
such pure stands as to constitute true _Larrea_ plains. Its common
companion is the grayish Burrobush or Bur-sage.
Following winter rains, the Creosotebush may put out a few yellow
blossoms in January, but usually bursts into full flower in April or
May, to be followed in a short time with the equally spectacular fuzzy
white seed balls making the bushes appear to be covered with a light
frosting of snow. After a rain, the plants give off a musty, resinous
odor which is the basis of the Mexican name _Hediondilla_ (freely
translated, “Little Stinker”). Lac occurs as a resinous incrustation on
the branches, and was used by the Indians for mending pottery, making
mosaics, and for fixing arrow points.
Leaves of the Creosotebush are covered with a “varnish” which often
glistens in the sunlight, and helps reduce evaporative moisture loss,
thereby enabling the plant to resist the desiccating effect of hot, dry
winds.