Chaparral is one of the most widespread plants found in the desert, some of them are noted to be the oldest living plants in the world. Botanists believe that many of surrounding plants are clones of these original plants. Creosote clones stemming from a single root system are believed to live for 5,000 years or much longer. Each individual stem, descended from the original seed, might live “only” 100 to 150 years — and even that’s pretty old. Expansive areas of these shrubs are found growing throughout the desert and some near Ridgecrest, CA are estimated to be 11,000 years old.
Chaparral is regarded as one of the most adaptable desert plants in the world; as it was one of the first to grow back in Yucca Flats after the 1962 nuclear bomb tests done there.
Also known as the "creosote bush," Larrea tridentata is a flowering evergreen shrub that's native to Southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico. One interesting characteristic of this plant is that it produces a sap that prevents competing species from growing near it. So this is why we usually see just this plant species in Chaparral populated areas. Also, its extremely bitter taste keeps it safe from animals that would otherwise graze upon it. The common name Chaparral derives from the Spanish chaparro, meaning "evergreen oak," and the name "creosote bush" comes from the smell that the plant exudes when it rains. As a medicinal herb, Indians of the Southwestern desert regions used the sap as a sunscreen, as the sticky resin is known to screen against ultraviolet radiation. The dried herb, when brewed in tea has been used for numerous aliments and appears to help the body rid itself of parasites as well as chemical toxins. Internal use is not recommended unless under the care of a qualified health care professional. Chaparral contains saponins and medicinal qualities that are especially beneficial to the skin. Applied to the skin, chaparral can have a remarkable healing effect on dandruff, eczema, herpes, cold sores, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis. Try mixing dried chaparral leave with warm oil, lavender, and coarse salt for a lovely smelling bath scrub!
Landscaping:
These plants are wonderful to have around the yard, they can grow quite large and provide good coverage/privacy. They will grow shoots back after thick trimmings. If your desire is to get rid of the creosote bush they will have to be uprooted and stump removal is necessary. Because these bushes are more drought tolerant than cactus they are seen as a beneficial plant but in some cases they can take over areas and prevent growth of other plants. Some people use a natural chaparral herbicide for weeds.
What is Chaparral?
The term "chaparral" refers to an area where plants adapt to droughts, sun exposure, and fire; however, Larrea tridentata does not usually grow in the 'chaparral'. The chaparrals are a group of closely related wild shrubs found in the desert regions of southwestern United States and northern Mexico, as well as in the dry regions of South America, such as Argentina and Bolivia. Chaparral products found in health food stores usually consists of leaflets and twigs. The branched bush grows up to 2 to 6 m, with small, dark-green leaves that turn bright green after rain and have a resinous texture.
Scientific Name(s)
Larrea divaricata, Larrea tridentata
Common Name(s)
Chaparral also is known as creosote bush, greasewood, gobernadora, hediondilla, jarilla, and jarilla hembra.
What is it used for?
Traditional/Ethnobotanical uses
Chaparral tea has been suggested for the treatment of bronchitis and the common cold. It also was used to alleviate rheumatic pain, stomach pain, chicken pox, and snake bite pain. American Indians used chaparral for arthritis, bowel cramps, gas, colds, and chronic skin disorders. Chaparral has been used internally to treat stomach problems, menstrual disorders, premenstrual syndrome, diabetes, gall bladder and kidney stones, diarrhea, urinary tract infections, and upper respiratory tract infections. Skin application has been promoted for rheumatic and autoimmune conditions, arthritis, back pain, minor wounds, and skin infections, such as impetigo and gingivitis. Chaparral has also been used as a deodorant applied to the feet and armpits. A strong tea from the leaves has been mixed with oil as a burn salve. It is an ingredient in some nonprescription weight loss teas.
In 1943, chaparral was approved by the Meat Inspection Division of the US War Food Administration as a food antioxidant. It was used as a fat and butter preservative until better preservatives were introduced; it was then removed from the FDA's GRAS (generally recognized as safe) list.
In 1959, the National Cancer Institute received reports that several cancer patients claimed beneficial effects from drinking chaparral tea. Years later, a similar treatment was brought to the attention of physicians at the University of Utah.
Reports subsequently appeared in the lay literature describing the virtues of chaparral tea as a cancer treatment.
General uses
Chaparral has been primarily used for the treatment of cancer, acne, eczema, rheumatism, and diabetes. It has also been promoted for its antioxidant effects, and as a blood purifier and a weight loss agent.
white seed capsules from creosote bush
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