Creosote Bush is the common name for Larrea Tridentata, a plant native to the area near Skull Rock in the Little San Bernardino Mountains. Although it might vie for the title of most abundant plant throughout other locations in the Mojave Desert, its dominance dwindles to sparseness here as the land further elevates in rein of the rocks.
Like many of its evolved co-competitors, Larrea Tridentata needs to become established before they can withstand the elements without help. Once a viable seed detaches, it needs to find a place which has adequate soil, and a wealth of shelter from the harsh wind and sun. 40 mile per hour winds in the blazing summer days or chilling winter nights can damage foliage and speed up desication. In the lee of rocks, other plants, or dead plant skeletons would be a lucky location. Required next is multiple seasons of good weather to sprout and grow resiliant enough to survive extreme conditions for extended periods.
Its primary bloom is in the end of winter and early spring, when precipitation in the Mojave is at its highest. An attractive array of small yellow flowers cover the majority of its branches. Monsoon weather in other seasons will produce additional minor blooms. After flowering, white fuzzy fruits cover the plant, and in areas where abundant, cast a white sheen to the landscape.
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