creosote bush


noun

any of several shrubs belonging to the genus Larrea, of the caltrop family, especially L. tridentata, of arid regions of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, having yellow flowers and resinous foliage with a strong odor of creosote.

Origin of creosote bush

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

British Dictionary definitions for creosote bush

creosote bush

noun

a shrub, Larrea (or Covillea) tridentata of the western US and Mexico, that has resinous leaves with an odour resembling creosote, and can live for many thousands of years: family Zygophyllaceae Also called: greasewood