Larrea sp.
Creosote bush, Creosote Bush
Family: Zygophyllaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Larrea sp. (Creosote bush) is a native California shrub in the Zygophyllaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Keckiella: Larrea has paired compound leaves fused at base; Keckiella has simple opposite leaves without leaflets.; vs Baccharis: Larrea has paired compound leaves smelling of creosote; Baccharis has simple alternate leaves without resin smell.; vs Purshia: Larrea has 2 resinous leaflets fused at base; Purshia has small wedge-shaped simple leaves in clusters.; vs Encelia: Larrea has compound leaves with 2 fused leaflets; Encelia has simple oval leaves and yellow daisy flowers.; vs Adenostoma: Larrea has 2 resinous leaflets per leaf; Adenostoma has needle-like clustered simple leaves without resin.
Frequently asked questions
Is Larrea sp. native to California?
Yes. Larrea sp. is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Larrea sp. belong to?
Larrea sp. is in the Zygophyllaceae family, genus Larrea.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.