Chaparral
Larrea tridentata
PLANT NAME
Chaparral
COMMON NAMES
Creosote Bush, Greasewood, Gobernadora
BOTANICAL NAME
Larrea tridentata
IDENTIFICATION
An evergreen desert shrub with small, waxy, strongly resinous leaves, bright yellow flowers, and fuzzy white seed capsules. Known for its strong "rain in the desert" scent.
IDENTIFICATION IMAGE
AI ART TO BE GENERATED
PARTS TRADITIONALLY USED
Leaves and small twigs.
CULINARY USES
INFORMATION NOT RELIABLY ESTABLISHED. Extremely bitter and resinous; not used as a food.
TRADITIONAL USES
Revered by indigenous peoples of the Southwest as a panacea. Used topically as a strong antimicrobial wash, salve, or poultice for wounds, fungal infections, and skin conditions. Used internally in very small amounts as a strong alterative, but modern use is mostly restricted to external applications.
GROWING / HARVESTING
Native to the Mojave, Sonoran, and Chihuahuan deserts of North America. Extremely drought-tolerant. Harvested carefully to avoid over-stripping the slow-growing plants.
SAFETY / CAUTION
Always consult your doctor. Internal use of chaparral has been associated with severe liver damage (hepatotoxicity). Internal consumption is strongly discouraged. External use is generally considered safe but may cause contact dermatitis in some.
RELATED PLANTS
Lignum-vitae (Guaiacum officinale - same family Zygophyllaceae).