Larrea tridentata (DC.) Colville: Creosote-bush, sometimes erroneously called "greasewood"

Zygophyllaceae


Images:

Leaf
Flower, Fruit & Leaf


Distinguishing Characteristics:

Leaves: alternate, persistent, composite (2 leaflets) 13-25 mm long; elliptical, dark "varnished" green, strong-scented (especially after rain)

Flowers: yellow, showy, spring (maybe after rain)

Fruit: five-celled white hairy capsule

Range: central and southwestern Ariz., less than 1220 m elevation; west Texas-California

Importance: most common xerophyte of Sonoran Desert in Southwest; ordinarily untouched by livestock; toxic to some livestock

Best Recognized Features:

1. Dark green, lustrous, paired leaves, 13 mm long

2. Leaves 2-pinnate

3. Strong "creosote" odor

Very similar to L. divaricata of South America; maybe same species



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