tem of classification, these shrubs belong within the following categories: (1) the division, Magnoliophyta; (2) the class, Magnoliopsida; (3) the subclass, Rosidae; (4) the order, Sapindales; and (5) the family, Zygophyllaceae (MacRae & Towers 1207-1220). In the southwestern deserts of North America, L. tridentata is perhaps the most widespread perennial plant. The evergreen xerophytic shrub is dominant over large areas (Meyer & Karasov 953-961). Moreover, nearly pure stands are common (Brisson & Reynolds 1693-1702). Such stands are often characterized by various successional states. This phenomenon indicates that L. tridentata establishment is continuous (Brown & Minnich 411-421). In certain areas, the plant may serve the important function of binding "together the drifting sand" (Milne & Milne 118-119).
Creosote bush is often incorrectly called "greasewood" (Carr 72). The erect-growing, many-branched bush generally ranges from 2 feet to 10 feet in height. The plant's upward- and outward-growing limbs are typically black. In addition, it has shiny green, "varnished" leaves that may appear divergently 2-lobed (Carr 72). Creosote foliage is very resinous and has a strong smell. In fact, Mexicans sometimes call the plant, "'hediondilla,' meaning 'little bad smeller'" (Carr 72). This odor may be particularly pungent just after a rain.
Larrea will flower and produce small seed crops as long as temperature and moisture conditions permit (McGee & Marshall 75-82). These flowers are yellow, solitary, and terminal (Sweet 21). Moreover, they are followed by the Larrea fruits. These fuzzy white seed balls consist of five equal parts called mericarps. The seeds are contained within the mericarps. When present, they may occur either singly or in pairs. Larrea fruits often linger for some time. Ripe seeds are shed from the spring through to the early fall (McGee & Marshall 75-82).
In addition to seed germination, cre...