Creosote Bush is grown for its foliage and the structure it brings to a planting. Notably, it shrugs off deer and shrugs off dry spells. Its spring flowers are a real draw for native bees.
Zones
Data not available
pH Range
7-8.5
Sun
Full Sun
Days to Maturity
---
Score Creosote Bush on your exact land.
Zone averages can't see the slope, soil, frost, and sun that decide whether creosote bush actually takes — and those shift from one yard to the next. Enter your address and we'll score creosote bush against your land's real conditions.
We read public map data for this spot — soil, climate, flood, and parcel records. How we handle your address.
No card required · your full report in seconds
What Creosote Bush is
Creosote Bush grows as a perennial and reaches around ten feet at maturity. It blooms yellow in spring. It's also deer-resistant.
How to grow Creosote Bush
Creosote Bush does best in full sun — at least 6 hours of direct sun a day — and soil from pH 7 to 8.5, on fast-draining ground. It needs a growing season of at least 250 frost-free days and about 0 hours of winter chill, which is why climate matters as much as soil.
USDA Zones
Data not available
USDA PHZM 2023
Soil pH
7 - 8.5
USDA PLANTS Database
Sun
Full Sun
plant_species_v5.csv
Drainage
excessive (dry/moderately dry)
plant_species_v5.csv
Mature Height
10 ft
plant_species_v5.csv
Chill Hours
0+
plant_species_v5.csv
Frost-Free Days
250+
plant_species_v5.csv
Start the season right
Plant creosote bush in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sun, once the soil has warmed and frost risk has passed.
Match the soil
Creosote Bush prefers pH 7 to 8.5 (USDA PLANTS Database). A quick soil test from your local Extension lab tells you whether to add lime or sulfur to land in band.
Water steadily
Keep the root zone evenly moist through establishment. Match watering to the plant's drainage preference and your local rainfall.
Keep it in good form
Prune creosote bush to shape as it grows; the reward is its foliage and structure, not a harvest, so steady upkeep is the whole job.
Good to know
One caution for pet owners — creosote bush is toxic to dogs and cats (mild severity). Keep it out of reach, and call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 in an emergency. (Source: ASPCA.)
Creosote Bush is a standout pollinator plant — high value to bees and other pollinators. (Source: Xerces Society, Pollinator Partnership.)
Where Creosote Bush thrives
Whether creosote bush thrives on a given site comes down to its soil pH, drainage, sun, and frost dates — the conditions that vary parcel to parcel.
See if Creosote Bush will thrive on your land
Zone averages are a start. Your exact soil pH, drainage, sun exposure, and frost dates shape whether creosote bush actually takes — we score it against the real conditions at your address.
Three things about your exact spot that zone averages miss:
We read public map data for this spot — soil, climate, flood, and parcel records. How we handle your address.
25+ data sources analyzed in seconds
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow Creosote Bush in my zone?
Zone data for creosote bush is being finalized. A Growable Ground report checks your parcel's full suitability against federal soil, climate, and zone data.
When should you plant Creosote Bush?
Most growers plant creosote bush after the last spring frost, once the soil has warmed, leaving enough of the season for its 250-day frost-free need. Your local frost dates set the exact window — a Growable Ground report reads them for your address.
How much sun does Creosote Bush need?
Creosote Bush needs full sun — a spot that catches at least 6 hours of direct summer sun a day. In more shade it still grows, but usually gives a smaller, later crop. The catch is that a yard rarely gets even light everywhere — a fence, the house, or one tall tree can quietly take those hours. A Growable Ground report reads the real sun-hours across your land, canopy and buildings included, so you can pick the brightest bed before you plant.
What soil does Creosote Bush need?
Creosote Bush prefers soil pH 7 to 8.5, on fast-draining ground (USDA PLANTS Database). Your report scores your parcel's actual soil against that using USDA SSURGO data.
Does Creosote Bush attract pollinators?
Yes — creosote bush's flowers are a strong nectar and pollen source for native bees (Xerces Society, Pollinator Partnership).
Is Creosote Bush safe for pets?
Creosote Bush is toxic to pets (dogs,cats) with mild severity. Keep it out of reach, and call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 in an emergency.