Creosote should not be regarded as an edible plant. While historical records indicate that some Native Americans occasionally prepared the unopened flower buds as a caper-like garnish, the shrub contains potent resinous compounds that may be harmful if consumed. The flower buds are the only part ever reported to have limited food use. Cooking or pickling them in vinegar reduces some of the bitterness, but they remain strongly resinous and medicinal in flavor. All other parts of the plant should be regarded as inedible. Because of the plant's chemical composition and documented toxicity concerns, internal consumption of any part is not recommended [2-3]. Edibility Rating: 1 out of 5 – Historically used only in a very limited way as a caper substitute. Potential toxicity greatly outweighs any food value [2-3]. Taste and Preparation: Fresh flower buds possess an intensely bitter, resinous, medicinal flavor with only a faint vegetable-like undertone. Their texture resembles capers, although the dense sticky hairs give them a tacky mouthfeel. Boiling improves the flavor slightly but does not eliminate the bitterness or resinous qualities. Pickling in vinegar produces a more acceptable condiment, although it remains far inferior to true capers. The buds are produced in great abundance during flowering, making collection relatively easy, but preparing them for food is generally not worthwhile given their poor flavor and potential health risks [2-3]. Seasonality (Phenology): Flower buds are produced mainly during spring (March to June) but may appear following favorable rainfall at almost any time of year. The evergreen shrub provides foliage year-round. Nutritional Value: Little nutritional information exists because creosote has never been an important food plant. Its tissues contain numerous biologically active secondary compounds rather than significant food reserves. Traditional Uses: Creosote has an exceptionally long history as a medicinal plant throughout the deserts of the American Southwest. Traditionally, various Native American peoples used it externally and internally to treat wounds, burns, skin infections, rashes, arthritis, bronchitis, toothaches, snakebites, and numerous other ailments. People commonly prepared the leaves as medicinal washes, poultices, or decoctions [2-3]. The plant has often been described as a natural desert medicine chest. Modern research has identified a variety of antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds within the resin, although concerns over liver and kidney toxicity have limited its acceptance as an internal herbal medicine. Warning: Creosote contains powerful resinous compounds that can be harmful if consumed. Long-term internal use has been associated with liver and kidney damage, and the plant should not be used as a food. The flower buds have limited historical culinary use, but this should not be interpreted as evidence of safety for regular consumption. Traditional medicinal use was generally undertaken with considerable knowledge and caution, and modern use should be approached carefully as well. The flower buds are pickled in vinegar and used as a caper substitute[183]. The stems and leaves are a tea substitute[183]. The twigs are chewed to alleviate thirst[2, 183]. A resin is obtained from the leaves and twigs, it delays or prevents oils and fats from becoming rancid[183].

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


Creosote bush was widely used by various North American Indian tribes. A decoction of the leaves was used to treat diarrhoea and stomach troubles whilst the young twigs were used to treat toothache and a poultice of the leaves was used to treat chest complaints and as a wash for skin problems[254]. It continued to be widely used as a treatment for rheumatic disease, venereal infections, urinary infections and certain types of cancer, especially leukaemia until its sale was banned in North America due to concern over its potential toxic effect upon the liver[254]. There have been a number of cases of acute or sub-acute hepatitis attributed to the use of this herb and so its internal use is not recommended until further research has been carried out[254]. A tea made from the leaves is used as an expectorant and pulmonary antiseptic[213]. Some N. American Indian tribes heated the shoot tips of this plant and dripped the sap (probably the resin[K]) into tooth cavities to treat toothache[213].

Carbon Farming - Industrial Crop: hydrocarbon. Wildlife Value: Creosote is one of the most ecologically important shrubs in North American deserts. It provides shelter for reptiles, birds, mammals, and countless invertebrates while stabilizing desert soils. Numerous insects are closely associated with creosote, including several species found almost exclusively on this shrub. Pollinators: The bright yellow flowers attract numerous native bees, solitary bees, flies, butterflies, and other desert pollinating insects, particularly following seasonal rains. Creosote is among the most iconic plants of the American Southwest and one of its most important medicinal shrubs. While its flower buds have a small place in historical ethnobotany, the plant should not be considered an edible wild food. Its ecological significance, extraordinary longevity, and rich history of traditional medicinal use make it a fascinating species, but its culinary value is extremely limited and outweighed by legitimate safety concerns.

Special Uses