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Larrea tridentata (creosote bush) covers much of the desert of the South-Western North-America from Texas to California, tolerating poor stony ground, salty soils and hot, arid conditions. The xerophytic bushes spread vegetatively and although individual shrubs may die, the clump persists as a genetically-identical population. Some clumps of Larrea tridentata are thought to be thousands of years old. The shrubs often appear to space themselves out as if planted on a regular array, but this is dictated by availability of scarce water. The small golden yellow flowers are followed by a small rounded dehiscent seed pod, splitting to reveal a seed covered in white hairs.
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The leaves and stems of the creosote bush are covered with a slightly sticky resinous coating. This resin contains Coumarins which are released from the foliage by water giving the deserts of the South-Western North-America a characteristic odour after rain. Substances in the resin inhibit germination of seeds and it is said that nothing will grow under a creosote bush. However, this is not absolutely true. There are often clumps of grass around the base and the shrubs can act as nurse plants for cacti, providing protection from the scorching sun and sandblasting by gritty particles carried on the wind.
Early settlers boiled creosote bushes with water to obtain a tarry substance for preserving wood and sealing barrels.
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Families of Succulent Plants 
