Guamis Larrea tridentata

Creosote bush is a perennial, evergreen shrub in the Caltrop (Zygophyllaceae) family native to the Chihuahuan, Mojave, and Sonoran Deserts in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The Caltrop family consists of about 285 species in 22 genera that includes trees, shrubs, or herbs often found in dry habitats.

This shrub typically matures to about 5 feet high, but has been known to reach more that 10 feet. It thrives in hot dry desert climates. It prefers full sun and rocky, well-drained calcerous or sandy soil. The roots are extremely efficient at absorbing and retaining water and the small leaves are capable of folding in half to reduce water loss during drought. Given these cultural conditions, it may be difficult to cultivate in North Carolina. 

Creosote shrub is common throughout its natural range, where it is used ornamentally in xeriscaping and is noted for its fragrance, especially after a rain. Extreme droughts may induce pure stands of this species. Young leaves are coated in a fragrant oily resin, another adaptation against water loss. Indigenous people use it topically and in tea to treat muscle pain, fever, paralysis, indigestion, and open wounds. Germination rates are low, and it reproduces primarily via cloning. One clonal colony was found to be around 11,700 years old. 

Because of the toxins given off by the plant, nothing will grown underneath it.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or insect pests. Galls may form from the activity of the creosote gall midge. Seeds germinate slowly it is difficult to root from cuttings.