Question
Hi, i have a garden that is not far from a creosote tree lol my husband bonsai the bush so it looks more like a tree very pretty,though when it flowers and the wind blows the peddles get into my garden. so is there any danger to eating the food? i know that it is used for medicine and maybe there is not enough to leach into the ground but i still was wondering. Thank you for your time and answer. Sheila

Answer
Dear Sheila, This is a very interesting question, so I have done some reading on the creosote bush.  Most of the active chemicals of this plant are in the roots, twigs and leaves so it is possible that some chemicals could be in the petals, although it would be an extremely tiny amount.  However, the strong smell of the plant serves as an insect deterrent which is probably why you won't notice too many bugs in your garden.  Plants that are located very near to the creosote may not grow too well, but the reason for that would be because the creosote has an unusual ability to absorb water from the soil and will use water that other nearby plants are trying to get.  This is one of its adaptations that make it grow so well in the desert.  The creosote used for telephone poles and railway ties doesn't come from this bush, it is a petroleum product.  So basically, the bottom line is that the flower petals falling in your garden won't hurt your garden and it will be safe to eat the food.  In addition, the nearby creosote bush may help protect your garden from bugs, fungus (another property of the bush), rabbits, and deer.  Thank you for this interesting and unusual question, and don't hesitate to write again if you have more questions.  Melissa