Dunes and Creosote Bush, Death Valley National Park

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Creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) is one of the very few plants able to survive on the hot, harsh and dry sand dunes of Death Valley. It is difficult for any plant to thrive in the shifting sands so there is not much competition. In more hospitable environments creosote bush has the ability to secure more water by chemically inhibiting the growth of nearby plants.