Creosote Bush 2. Creosote Bush is the dominant shrub of the warm deserts of North and South America. Plants flower most profusely in spring, but may flower at any time of year if moisture is available. Flowers are bright yellow. Fruits are small and hairy.
Plants produce clones by root suckering and can form large rings of genetically identical plants.
The oldest of these rings is in the Mojave Desert of southern California and has been estimated to be more than 10,000 years old. Creosote Bush is so called because, when wet, the leaves give off a smell that is similar to the wood preservative, creosote.