 Just what are those scraggly, dark green bushes we see everywhere
in the desert? Those are a foreign invader known as the creosote bush. The plant originated in the tropics of South America
and gradually expanded its range up through Central America, Mexico and then into southern California. By 4,000 years ago it had managed to
move into our area of the Chihuahuan Desert. It is very adaptable and is ever ready to expand its range when the opportunity
presents itself. That opportunity came during the 19th century. It may be hard to believe but this area has not always been a desert.
Up until a few hundred years ago most of this part of the Chihuahuan Desert was grassland. Early cattle and sheep ranchers in this
area over grazed the native grasses. When the grass disappeared, the door was open for creosote bush and other less desirable
plants, such as the mesquite, to take over. The process is known as desertification.
The adaptability of creosote is what has allowed it such success. During drought, the wax covered leaves shrivel but do not die.
When rains do come, the shallow, wide spread roots quickly take in water from the surrounding soil. The plants are so efficient at taking in moisture
that few other plants can survive close to a creosote bush. They rob all the available moisture in the soil. These plants can live a very long time. Although they can reproduce with seeds, their normal method of reproduction is to send out runners from the "mother" plant, just below the surface of the soil. These runners produce new plant "clones" along the way. Scientists have found such creosote bush clones in California that have been radiocarbon dated back more than 11,000 years. That makes the creosote bush one of the oldest living organisms on earth. Native Americans found many uses for the plant. From the sap they produced glue to mend their broken clay pots. They brewed a bitter tea from the leaves that was taken to fight diseases and coughs. They used a poultice of the leaves to help relieve the pains of arthritis. And if those moccasins started to get a little smelly, a few sprigs of creosote bush could make them smell fresh again. If you live in the desert you have probably experienced that strong, pungent yet pleasant, odor in the air following a rain storm. It gives the air a clean, fresh smell that always brings rain to mind when experienced. That odor is produced by the creosote bush following a rain. May that sweet perfume never disappear from the desert air! Now let's move along. There is much more to experience here. |
The wrinkled leaves quickly rehydate
and turn bright green. Yellow flowers bloom followed by fuzzy little seeds.