shopping Chaparral - two varieties

[ 1014 ]Larrea Tridentata

Chaparral Leaf Cut & Sifted, Wild Crafted

1/4 Pound: $4.30 Pound: $9.55

[ 663 ]Larrea Tridentata

Chaparral Leaf Powder, Wild Crafted

1/4 Pound: $4.92 Pound: $10.94

We offer discounted pricing on orders over 100 pounds. Contact Us

Wholesale Chaparral

Name: Chaparral leaf, powder, wild crafted
Brand: Monterey Bay Herb Co.
SKU: 663
Price: 4.92 USD
Availability: InStock

Larrea tridentata

plant overview

estrogenic chaparral

Chaparral is an evergreen, low-growing, woody shrub found throughout southwestern North America, with specimens more than 11,000 years old still thriving in California’s Mojave Desert. The plant’s survival success is attributed to an ability to deter the growth of neighboring plants, thereby securing all of the available water from the soil. The herb contains an antioxidant compound called nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) that was once used as a food preservative. Reports of liver and kidney toxicity, however, now limit dried chaparral to topical use.

Clicking "learn more" next to each variety will take you to individual product pages for details.

01.
Where in the World

habitat and range for chaparral

Larrea tridentata is a prominent species in the Mojave, Sonoran, and Chihuahuan Deserts of western North America, and its range includes those and other regions in portions of south-eastern California, Arizona, Nevada, southern Utah, New Mexico and Texas in the United States, and northern Chihuahua and Sonora in Mexico.

02.
A Bit of Botany

a little botanical information about chaparral

description
Chaparral is a flowering plant in the family Zygophyllaceae. It is an evergreen shrub growing to 1 to 3 meters (3.3 to 9.8 ft) tall, rarely 4 meters (13 ft). The stems of the plant bear resinous, dark green leaves with two opposite lanceolate leaflets joined at the base, with a deciduous awn between them, each leaflet 7 to 18 millimeters (0.28 to 0.71 in) long and 4 to 8.5 millimeters (0.16 to 0.33 in) broad. The flowers are up to 25 millimeters (0.98 in) in diameter, with five yellow petals. Galls may form by the activity of the creosote gall midge. The whole plant exhibits a characteristic odor of creosote, from which the common name derives. Chaparral has a highly toxic substance produced at its root that prevents other plants from growing nearby, thus reducing the competition for vital nutrients and water.

common names & nomenclature
The botanical name is said to be for Juan Antonio Hernandez de Larrea, a Spanish clergyman. Chaparral is called gobernadora in Mexico, which is Spanish for "governess," due to its ability to secure more water by inhibiting the growth of nearby plants. Also has the odor of creosote, thus the common name creosote bush.

Also known as:
creosote bush, grease wood, gobernadora, chaparral, hediondilla

03.
Cultivation & Harvesting

considerations for growing and harvesting chaparral

climate
Chaparral or creosote bush is most commonly found on the well-drained soils of alluvial fans and flats; the plant prefers full sun to part shade.

soil
Grows in desert soils but prefers a moderately fertile moisture-retentive soil, mature plants can tolerate drought, good for xeriscaping.

growing
Sow the seeds outdoors in full sun after danger of last frost in Spring. Can also start seeds in a greenhouse, scarify the seed & soak in water for 24 hours then lightly cover the seed with soil. After germination, second set of true leaves emerges, transfer to larger container. This is a high desert plant so it tolerates drought and will not do well if overwatered.

harvesting
Collect young stems, leaves and flowers in spring when resin is greatest. Harvesting chaparral is a difficult task due to the abrasive nature of the stems and the stickiness of the leaves.

preserving
Dry leaves and stems thoroughly, cut into smaller pieces and store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

04.
The Rest of the Story

additional information

relieving pain with chaparral
Chaparral stinks! Literally. And it tastes downright unpleasant. So the herb's major healing benefit comes as something of a surprise—it's a mouthwash.

We're not talking minty fresh here. You wouldn't want to reach for it before puckering up for your morning kiss. But don't let that stop you—the unassuming Chaparral shrub, native to the America Southwest, contains a chemical that may spell death to some of the germs that cause bad breath.

If, as some people believe, effective medicine smells foul and tastes terrible, Chaparral should be a terrific healer. Its leaves exude a waxy resin that smells like creosote and is the source of its popular names: stinkweed, greasewood, and creosote bush (the plant does not contain creosote).

Chaparral is not a garden herb. It's a woody, olive green or yellow shrub that dominates the Southwest's arid landscape. Chaparral grows to about 10 feet and resembles a dwarf oak.

Formulas & recipes
Chaparral leaf uses
The chaparral plant originated from Mexico but is now grown in the southwestern U.S. and in some parts of South America. Chaparral is a shrubby desert plant that smells like tar after rain. The chaparral leaf is not recommended for any internal use as it can cause toxicity in the kidneys and liver. Chaparral leaf is more so used in tinctures and capsules but under the supervision or recommendation of experienced clinical practitioners. When used correctly, chaparral leaf benefits include treating skin ailments and bacteria.

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for educational purposes only

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

please be advised: Before making any changes to your diet you should always consult with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have existing conditions.

All reviews solely reflect the views and opinions expressed by the reviewer and not that of Monterey Bay Herb Co. We do not verify or endorse any claims made by any reviewer. None of these statements have been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.