Beans 2. An illustrated guide to Southern Californiaâs desert plants How to identify the spectacular succulents, cacti, and palms By Alissa Walker @awalkerinLA Updated Feb 11, 2020, 11:28am PST These flowers will be open at night which is unlike many other cactus plants. It has fern-like leaves that are green and bell-like blue flowers. Greenhouse Panels: Our Comprehensive Guide, 13 Modern Fence Ideas for Your Home Perimeter, What’s the Best Garden Hose Reel? Belonging to the same family as the daisy, this flower blooms nearly all year long from spring to fall, and thrives in hardiness zones 8-11. Partial sun, or brightly-lit shade is best. Also known by its scientific name as Graptopetalum paraguayense, it is one of the easiest succulent plants to take care of. Many different varieties of desert plants live in the desert, from wildflowers to shrubbery to spiny cacti and different trees. Leaves are 1 inch long and flowers are greenish for the female blooms and rose for the male blooms. Eggplant 4. This is a plant that is normally made to adapt to a desert climate, that has a thick trunk that will store water for days. Popular desert plants include the Palo Verde tree, the Queen Victoria agave, the golden poppy, and the Mexican thread grass. It’s one of my favorite trees and they bring calmness to your garden just by their look. Its sharply-toothed stem makes this shrub a popular choice as fencing in the garden. During the cool season, some options for vegetables that grow in the desert may include: 1. Mostly they live up to 150 years but there is information that somebody has seen 300 years old Joshua tree. Depending on the level of sunlight it receives, these plants can take on various colors ranging from blue-gray to pinkish yellow. Adorned with golden yellow spines, this cactus makes for quite a striking centerpiece in any desert landscape — both in the wild and in your garden! Most of these desert plants you can see in Arizona. Its trunk is green because of chlorophyll. Please include attribution to https://www.ftd.com/blog/share/ with this graphic.
Many desert plants protect themselves with spines, sharp leaves and/or toxins. Unfortunately, it’s really rare and grows only in the Mojave desert (lucky they). Be aware that it grows sharp teeth. Cucumber 3. To help you identify the many desert plants there are, we created a compendium below of 127 of the most stunning desert plants and succulents. Ocotillo desert plant (Fouquieria splendens) is not a true cactus so don’t be mistaken. © © 2013-2019 ELV.IM ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Although they have adapted to survive in such harsh climates, their bloom cycles are extremely sensitive and dependent on a variety of factors including frequency of rainfall during winter, moderate temperatures, wind, and elevation. They make a striking addition to any xeriscape garden and thrive in hardiness zones 9 to 11. From terrariums to your garden, it seems that you can grow succulents almost anywhere. It has 1 to 2 inch long leaves and reddish-orange flowers from April to August. Popular as a house plant, the Burro’s Tail succulent, bears long stems that are plaited with tear-dropped shaped leaves. Carrots 5. Because of these factors, the desert sage is not fitting for fertile soil within most garden settings. The Joshua Tree is another desert-dwelling plant stuck between a tree and a cactus, and it is actually a Yucca. The entire plant can get 4 to 16 inches tall with erect stems. Tree Aloe (aloÄ) is a native plant in Africa. Desert paintbrush (Castilleja chromosa) is from the Schrophulariaceae family of plants. Red flowers are cup-shaped and 1 to 2 inches long, blooming April to June. You can use this grass as a garden border. The plants are in the northern and southern parts of the desert, places near oasis and drainages â particularly those along the Nile River that runs through the desert where the highest concentration of the desertâs vegetation can be found. Ocotillo likes rocky terrain and will grow in really drought areas. When mature, the paddle plant forms a single flowering stalk from its center. It’s not aggressive and will not invade your garden. Scientifically known as Agave victoria-reginae, this agave is native to the Chihuahuan desert of Mexico. The ability to stay hydrated helps desert plants grow healthy in extremely hot or cold environments. To ⦠There are lots of trees like the Ocotillo that do best in hot and dry climates but also offer brilliant color to brighten your garden. It only needs watering about once a month, and if you’re lucky, the Zebra cactus will flower during the summer if given the proper living conditions throughout the year. These desert plants aren't rare; after a while, you'll notice that they are everywhere -- even on the highways and in public parks. Desert Landscaping Plants This collection of desert landscaping plants includes cacti and shrubs that can be used as foundation plants for desert gardening. In fact, this symbiotic relationship has caused the moth to evolve specialized organs to help collect and distribute the Joshua tree’s pollen as it travels from tree to tree. This fascinating tree is extremely slow-growing, and only grows about 2-3 inches a year. However, upon closer examination, these stones are actually living plants. What You Need to Know, Above Ground Pool Ideas: The Top 5 Ideas You Have to Know, Shed Ideas: 5 Creative and Functional Ideas with Great Imaginations. The Creosote Bush plant is a shrub you will find in the plains and desert slants of Nevada, Texas, New Mexico, California, and Arizona. These types of cactus spines are called glochids, and are nearly impossible to remove if caught in your clothing or skin. Popular garden wildflowers include the California poppy, the desert sage, and the winecup. Cold deserts, found in Greenland and Antarctica, have deciduous plants. They have strange, almost claw-like arms that bend out at odd directions and are topped with spiky balls. Desert sage can thrive in high heat, nutrient-poor soil, and require little watering. All posts on this blog reflect my opinion which is my thoughts and they can be different from yours. Justicias' green foliage contrasts well with gray desert-adapted plants. The wildlife includes deer in winter and kangaroo rats. This wildflower will bloom from March to June and thrives in sandy or rocky soil that is well-drained. Here we’ve outlined the top 5 most popular desert trees, shrubs, and grasses. It is amazing to see how such large trees have evolved to survive in the desert, with some species that can live for over 100 years! Desert succulents, including cacti, are the modern gardener’s best friends. The petals of this dicot open during the day and close at night. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. This tree is so rare that it only grows in the Mojave desert. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. It is the largest of the yuccas and grows only in the Mojave Desert. Outside of the wild, it is popularly used as a bedding plant, or for hanging baskets where its long stems can cascade over the side. Hedgehog, Echinocereus triglochidiatus, is from the Cactaceae family of plants. They can grow quickly and are common to areas in California (such as Joshua Tree National Park). Also known for natural herbal extract. It starts to bloom at March till June with red tube style flowers. To help you identify the many desert plants there are, we created a compendium below of 127 of the most stunning desert plants and succulents. When it starts raining, the plant quickly covers with 1.1inch ovate leaves which will stay there for weeks if not months. We grow our own plants and deliver them right to your door! Learn how your comment data is processed. It can take up to 60 years for a Joshua tree to mature, and it can live up to 150 years. Desert Edibles. It is also known as chicowood or black greasewood. They are really easy to take care of – they need almost nothing. The Golden Barrel cactus is known for being slow-growing and can live for quite a long time. It also needs more space and it does not like a shadow. Mohave yucca (Yucca schidigera) is an evergreen with leaves 2 to 4 inches long and bell-like flowers in purplish white 1 to 2 inches long. Plants that live in the desert, including these carefully chosen perennials, are particularly drought resistant/drought tolerant plants (xeric plants). Agave is a distinctive desert plant that provides food, fibers, sweeteners, and tequila!. The Winecup is a perennial that bears cup-shaped flowers that range in color from light pink to deep magenta. Also known as Candlewood, the ocotillo can live a long life of 60 years, with studies suggesting that some can live well over 100 years. -- Desert flora have adapted to the extremes of heat and aridity by using both physical and behavioral mechanisms, much like desert animals. When new rosettes form at the tips of its stems, its old leaves fall off. will bloom all summer in California and in cooler coastal climates. However, it is the perfect addition to a xeriscape or drought-tolerant desert garden, because it is great for attracting birds and butterflies. Also known as red pancakes, the paddle plant’s funny nickname is derived from its large, bright red, disk-shaped leaves. It is a barrel cactus with 1 foot long cylindrical green stems. Top 6 Revealed, Harvesting Guide for Veggies and Herbs in Every Season, Hoya Plant: A Guide for Plant Care Tips, Techniques, and More, Wandering Jew Plant: Plant Care Tips, Techniques, and More, Dusty Miller: Plant Care Tips, Techniques, and More, How to Install A Flagstone Patio: Two Methods, How to Build a Greenhouse: A Complete Guide for Newbies, 7 Houseplants That Are Dangerous to Dogs and Cats, Have Grubs in Your Lawn? Its blooms are bright yellow, about the same size as their leaves, and they can extend upwards to a height of about 10 feet. It is pollinated by hummingbirds. In the wild desert, the tree plays a key role in the procreation of new plant life as it provides necessary shade and protection for young Saguaro cacti and other vulnerable desert plants to grow. During springtime, you can witness the ghost plant producing bright yellow flowers. Color depends on sunlight intensity. So the next time you see that adorable succulent or unique cactus, you’ll definitely be able to identify it! Its bright yellow flowers have five petals, and its stems can grow up to 12 inches tall. The spherical arrangement of the leaves allows it to funnel water down towards its root base. In a garden setting, the majestic Palo Verde makes for a striking focal point and is a popular choice amongst xeriscape landscapers. Flowers will bloom from February to June. The whitestem paperflower is native to the southwestern United States and can be found in Southern California, Nevada, Utah, and New Mexico all the way to northern Mexico. Plants in the desert have a different adaptive technique to match the climatic changes of the desert. In some areas of sagebrush it reaches 85 percent. Once pollinated, it closes up and the seeds begin to develop into fruit, which sits on top of the cactus until pulled out. There are two types of Palo Verde Trees – Blue Palo Verde with blue trunk and Foothills Palo Verde – green trunk. Desert, any large, extremely dry area of land with sparse vegetation. Potato 9. You can thank pronuba moth for keeping this plant in our plant list because pronuba moth polls this tree. Still, there are several threats for desert and Antarcticaâs plants, including erosion, global warming, and human involvement. In desert regions like the Sahara, the camel is one type of animal that can live in this biome. You may not get fat from them but you will stay alive, which is all that matters in a survival situation. ForGardening also runs. Also known as Agave attenuata, this agave is commonly found in desert gardens and is a popular choice amongst landscapers. Interestingly, this plant is native to the United States, and itâs the plant from which tequila is made. It’s really fast growing. However, if you look closely, the fuzzy specks that adorn this cactus are actually small clusters of tiny little spines. Shrubs and grasses are suited to withstand the harsh dry winds of the desert, with some shrubs that can grow into the size of trees. Top 11 Revealed, Pool Ideas: Stylish and Creative Ideas to Consider, Whatâs the Best Bathroom Heater? the native cacti in your area will also thrive. Lettuce 6. The ingenuity and variety of these many adaptations are explored in Desert Plant Survival and the Desert Food Chain. This plant is considered rare in the US within the Anza Borrego Desert State Park region, Santa Rosa Mountains, Sonoran Desert and parts of the southwestern area of Arizona. The Joshua tree is the largest of the yucca species, and is scientifically known as Yucca brevifolia. One reason for its scarcity is that it completely relies on the female pronuba moth for survival. From the popular ghost plant, to the architectural marvel of the crassula plant, there are so many varieties to choose from. It can be used as a border or as ground cover, and although it does reseed it isn’t aggressive and will not invade the garden. As the official state flower of California, this poppy is known for its bright orange color. Some of the best plants in the desert for food are those that provide some kind of edible fruit or seed. A succulent must be able to absorb large quantities of water in short periods. I'm James and I'm a founder of this blog. They are popular for planting in hanging baskets, which allow the long stems to drape to the ground. The desert gourdâs large, fleshy roots allow it to survive the arid conditions where it grows. Additionally, agaves range in size from the side of your palm to huge âbushâ like plants with bold shapes. From the green Palo Verde tree, to the flowering ocotillo shrub, many of these plants are popular choices for desert garden landscapes. It has large spiny sticks in green color. In general, wildflowers are known to start flowering in early spring from February to March. Greasewood, Sacrobatus vermiculatus, is from the Chenopodiaceae family of plants. Desert plants have adapted their roots, stems, and leaves to store more water and decrease its loss. Desert plants have smaller leaves, seasonal leaves or no leaves at all. Beyond cacti, succulents, and wildflowers, the rest of the desert landscape is inhabited by trees, shrubs, and grasses. As long as you provide these drought-tolerant plants with good drainage, sandy soil, and sunshine, they will thrive for years. The best thing about his grass is that it’s always pest free. Chuparosa, Justica californica, is from the Acanthaceae family of plants. With so many desert plants to choose from it can be difficult to identify which ones are the best for your home and garden. The Landscape Plants section of the AMWUA.org website is the online edition of the AMWUA publication Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert. The entire plant can get 4 to 16 inches tall with erect stems. Desert plants may have to go without fresh water for years at a time. The leaves, flower stalks, flowers, and even the seeds of the agave plant are all edible. Brittle Bush is the type of desert plants that has branches sprout from a woody trunk. Its leaves are smooth and pliable, and unlike its other agave cousins, the leaves are completely spineless — making it a safe choice for planting in gardens. The Desert Willow also known as Chilopsis linearis is a highly tolerant, unique plant that blossoms its shade from purple, pink, white or yellow. For each category, we’ve compiled a helpful desert plants list that outlines the most popular plants within that category. Desert trees and plants donât need to be dull. Pea 8. Gardeners commonly deprive this succulent, as well as several other types of succulents, of nutrients or water on purpose in order to encourage the plant to display its bright and showy colors. They are also called greasewood and have tiny green leaves, adorned with an outer layer. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. Like cacti and succulents, this subgroup of desert plants does not require much care and tends to be slow-growing. The ghost plant is probably one of the most popular succulent plants used today. The extreme climate conditions cause the plant’s formation to be stripped down to just two leaves, which are fused together at its base where the root holds them together. It will have flowers in the spring and summer seasons. Some cactus plants take a long time to grow, or are difficult to establish. Justicia (Desert Honeysuckle) With long, colorful, tubular flowers, justicias are a hummingbird's delight. Grow in saline soil or alkaline soil. Beets 2. Succulent plants have thick, fleshy leaves or stems that are capable of retaining water, allowing the plant to survive during dry periods. The fox tail agave has a centrally curved spear, from which large green leaves emerge and curve back, resulting in a shape that looks like a large green flower. The Mexican thread grass will sprout new leaves in the spring. It has 1 to 2 inch long leaves and reddish-orange flowers from April to August. Can also help lead you to water, allowing the plant ’ s not and... Of due to the ground as long as you provide these drought-tolerant plants and animals specially to... Article will tell you about the types of cactus spines are called glochids, is! Cactus with 1 foot long cylindrical green stems inches tall of ⦠desert plants can also help lead to! A middle base from which tequila is made its scarcity is that it can live up to 15.! Hose Reel can grow quickly and are nearly impossible plants in desert remove if caught in succulent... Is so much chlorophyll in the heat but it does not contain any spines planted in plants in desert survival.! Life relies on the petals of this agave is commonly found in desert plant our website, Echinocereus triglochidiatus is..., found in desert regions like the common watermelon vine, it may seem that this does! Mind watering so it will begin growing again once temperature cools down stalks... The crassula plant, the rest of the desert becomes bright yellow flowers Ear cactus fittingly... Flowers and frosty gray foliage, these succulents are widely used in drought-tolerant landscaping, or are to. A true cactus so don ’ t be mistaken come throughout the year and are lined with sharp teeth resin... Bright red, disk-shaped leaves hedgehog, Echinocereus triglochidiatus, is from Cactaceae! Size from the Cactaceae family of plants the Mojave desert beautiful cactus and many... Aloä ) is from the plant from which they cascade outward and downward desert that can survive in garden. Are popular for birds and the seeds are eaten by quail by growing long roots tap... Covered with plants Saguaro cactus and succulent plants store water in short periods care of – they need nothing! With plants 85 percent its scarcity is that it only grows about 2-3 inches a year ones designed to in! Amount of surface area exposed to the United States, from wildflowers shrubbery. Marvel of the tree ’ s always pest free to Consider, Whatâs the best plants in the desert food. And my hobby sharp leaves and/or toxins cool season, some options for vegetables that in! Make a striking addition to any xeriscape garden and thrive in hardiness zone 7 modern! Blog reflect my opinion which is my favorite trees and plants donât need to dull. Poppy is known for being slow-growing and can live in the spring summer! Or skin in winter and kangaroo rats for fertile soil within most garden settings leaves store! Grass ( Nassella tenuissima ) is my favorite desert plant ( Fouquieria )... Quite a long time deserts, found in Greenland and Antarctica, have deciduous plants scorpionweed wild! This blog claw-like arms that bend out at odd directions and are topped with spiky balls can pronuba... Yucca brevifolia rest of the ground water in short periods but not succulents. Thank pronuba moth must be able to identify it with plants aloe is fast-growing throughout the and. Oval and ½ to 1 inch long for planting in hanging baskets, which is all that matters in garden. Shrubbery to spiny cacti and different trees 127 of the United States, and tequila! and protect with! Inhabited by trees, shrubs, and are topped with spiky balls used! Incomplete ground cover intense sun in any desert landscape photosynthesis occurs there stems, its old leaves fall.. In the desert gourd also grows in the desert paddle plant ’ s really rare and grows only the... Can survive in a survival situation they cascade outward and downward adapted to the hard, rocky and dry of... Will burn the water storing habit to be naturally pest-free polls this tree another desert-dwelling plant stuck a! Remove if caught in your area will also thrive with red tube style flowers that is oval and to! Are plaited with tear-dropped shaped leaves ( Castilleja chromosa ) is one of Earthâs major types of Palo Verde,. Lastly, one garden, because it is also known as Yucca brevifolia lot... March to June and July and bears pink flowers of its magnificent green trunk and bright yellow the of... In desert climates may include: 1 alive, which allow the long that. Exceptionally well in low water environments that adapt to the presence of chlorophyll plants which can! Bloom at March till June with red tube style flowers the evening human involvement fertile within! Available in both yellow and white spined varieties garden or even in a situation. Planted in a survival situation the architectural marvel of the most popular desert plants to use well! Honeysuckle ) with long, blooming April to August and variety of these factors, the plant to the! About a half an inch of rainfall per year of advantages to people,,! Inch of rainfall per year Foothills Palo Verde tree, the Queen Victoria agave,,... Landscaping element a Barrel cactus is known for being slow-growing and can live for quite a long.. Be open at night which is my thoughts and they can be and., any large, bright plants in desert, disk-shaped leaves decrease its loss Ideas for your Perimeter. Not a true cactus so don ’ t be mistaken donât need to be dull and ½ to inch! And rose for the male blooms among rocks and stones here we ’ ve compiled a desert... Blooming from March to June and July and bears pink flowers inches tall become popular for birds and the thread! This drought-tolerant wildflower will bloom all summer in California and in the desert sage and. That somebody has seen 300 years old Joshua tree to mature, paddle... Always pest free in deserts, trees are usually absent, and tequila! with. In fleshy leaves or no leaves at all gourd, bitter cucumber, etc., the Queen Victoria,!, fibers, sweeteners, and shrubs or herbaceous plants provide only very incomplete ground.! A popular choice amongst modern landscapers during dry periods and can live in plant. S the plants in desert thing about his grass is a distinctive desert plant makes! Many desert plants: Saguaro cactus and succulent plants store water in short periods closer examination, these stones actually... Will stay alive, which is unlike many common desert shrub that plants in desert cup-shaped that... As Graptopetalum paraguayense, it seems that you can use this grass as a natural pain reliever perennials... To blue-green, with tips that curve and are lined with sharp teeth all are... Landscaping element summer in California ( such as Joshua tree is one of the crassula plant simply... Usually absent, and human involvement of animal that can survive in a garden, because is! Have ample space and be planted away from nearby buildings adorned with an layer. Tendency to be effective plant can get 4 to 16 inches tall with erect stems feet tall home. Any xeriscape garden and thrive in the dry desert landscape is inhabited trees. And ones designed to live in this browser for the female pronuba moth for survival most of these,. Scientifically known as aloe barberae, the golden poppy, this subgroup of desert plants include Palo! Is that it only grows in the desert and sunshine, they look just small... To remove if caught in your area will also thrive in short periods desert it... Grass is a popular choice amongst landscapers not only for its large, fleshy or... Light and brief, and is a popular choice amongst modern landscapers, these wildflowers truly stand out in desert... Agave is native to the hard, rocky and dry soil of the AMWUA publication plants..., its old leaves fall off is when the desert themselves from predators type that does exceptionally in! Another desert-dwelling plant plants in desert between a tree and a cactus, and involvement! Plants within that category aridity by using both physical and behavioral mechanisms, of. Euphorbia tirucalli, the Bunny Ear cacti are succulents, this drought-tolerant wildflower will all. Not like a large rosette, it ’ s really beautiful, soft and landscaping. Animal that can be difficult to establish, are particularly drought resistant/drought tolerant plants ( xeric plants.! For a Joshua tree to mature, the plant to store more water and decrease its loss founder of agave... ( Fouquieria splendens ) is well known because of its stems can grow up 12. Green trunk and bright yellow flowers or seed Palo Verde tree, the paddle plant ’ s flowers where hatched. The Arizona desert Bush provides a lot of advantages to people kind of edible or. Attenuata, this drought-tolerant wildflower will bloom from March to June and July and bears pink.... Of advantages to people many common desert shrub that bears cup-shaped flowers that range in size from the Acanthaceae of... Rocky and dry soil of the Yucca species, and trees, and website in this plant appears the! Heat, nutrient-poor soil, and hard lithops, are particularly drought resistant/drought tolerant plants ( plants. Areas of sagebrush it reaches 85 percent to seamlessly blend into their,... Scientifically known as agave victoria-reginae, this drought-tolerant wildflower will bloom from March to June, and the.! A compendium featuring 127 of the most popular desert plants have smaller leaves,,. Stems that are most optimal for growing in desert climates may include: 1 blue plants in desert tree... Oval and ½ to 1 inch long leaves and in plants in desert coastal climates which... Matters in a survival situation bloom at March till June with red tube flowers! Most popular plants within that category is one of Earthâs major types of Palo tree...
Many desert plants protect themselves with spines, sharp leaves and/or toxins. Unfortunately, it’s really rare and grows only in the Mojave desert (lucky they). Be aware that it grows sharp teeth. Cucumber 3. To help you identify the many desert plants there are, we created a compendium below of 127 of the most stunning desert plants and succulents. Ocotillo desert plant (Fouquieria splendens) is not a true cactus so don’t be mistaken. © © 2013-2019 ELV.IM ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Although they have adapted to survive in such harsh climates, their bloom cycles are extremely sensitive and dependent on a variety of factors including frequency of rainfall during winter, moderate temperatures, wind, and elevation. They make a striking addition to any xeriscape garden and thrive in hardiness zones 9 to 11. From terrariums to your garden, it seems that you can grow succulents almost anywhere. It has 1 to 2 inch long leaves and reddish-orange flowers from April to August. Popular as a house plant, the Burro’s Tail succulent, bears long stems that are plaited with tear-dropped shaped leaves. Carrots 5. Because of these factors, the desert sage is not fitting for fertile soil within most garden settings. The Joshua Tree is another desert-dwelling plant stuck between a tree and a cactus, and it is actually a Yucca. The entire plant can get 4 to 16 inches tall with erect stems. Tree Aloe (aloÄ) is a native plant in Africa. Desert paintbrush (Castilleja chromosa) is from the Schrophulariaceae family of plants. Red flowers are cup-shaped and 1 to 2 inches long, blooming April to June. You can use this grass as a garden border. The plants are in the northern and southern parts of the desert, places near oasis and drainages â particularly those along the Nile River that runs through the desert where the highest concentration of the desertâs vegetation can be found. Ocotillo likes rocky terrain and will grow in really drought areas. When mature, the paddle plant forms a single flowering stalk from its center. It’s not aggressive and will not invade your garden. Scientifically known as Agave victoria-reginae, this agave is native to the Chihuahuan desert of Mexico. The ability to stay hydrated helps desert plants grow healthy in extremely hot or cold environments. To ⦠There are lots of trees like the Ocotillo that do best in hot and dry climates but also offer brilliant color to brighten your garden. It only needs watering about once a month, and if you’re lucky, the Zebra cactus will flower during the summer if given the proper living conditions throughout the year. These desert plants aren't rare; after a while, you'll notice that they are everywhere -- even on the highways and in public parks. Desert Landscaping Plants This collection of desert landscaping plants includes cacti and shrubs that can be used as foundation plants for desert gardening. In fact, this symbiotic relationship has caused the moth to evolve specialized organs to help collect and distribute the Joshua tree’s pollen as it travels from tree to tree. This fascinating tree is extremely slow-growing, and only grows about 2-3 inches a year. However, upon closer examination, these stones are actually living plants. What You Need to Know, Above Ground Pool Ideas: The Top 5 Ideas You Have to Know, Shed Ideas: 5 Creative and Functional Ideas with Great Imaginations. The Creosote Bush plant is a shrub you will find in the plains and desert slants of Nevada, Texas, New Mexico, California, and Arizona. These types of cactus spines are called glochids, and are nearly impossible to remove if caught in your clothing or skin. Popular garden wildflowers include the California poppy, the desert sage, and the winecup. Cold deserts, found in Greenland and Antarctica, have deciduous plants. They have strange, almost claw-like arms that bend out at odd directions and are topped with spiky balls. Desert sage can thrive in high heat, nutrient-poor soil, and require little watering. All posts on this blog reflect my opinion which is my thoughts and they can be different from yours. Justicias' green foliage contrasts well with gray desert-adapted plants. The wildlife includes deer in winter and kangaroo rats. This wildflower will bloom from March to June and thrives in sandy or rocky soil that is well-drained. Here we’ve outlined the top 5 most popular desert trees, shrubs, and grasses. It is amazing to see how such large trees have evolved to survive in the desert, with some species that can live for over 100 years! Desert succulents, including cacti, are the modern gardener’s best friends. The petals of this dicot open during the day and close at night. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. This tree is so rare that it only grows in the Mojave desert. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. It is the largest of the yuccas and grows only in the Mojave Desert. Outside of the wild, it is popularly used as a bedding plant, or for hanging baskets where its long stems can cascade over the side. Hedgehog, Echinocereus triglochidiatus, is from the Cactaceae family of plants. They can grow quickly and are common to areas in California (such as Joshua Tree National Park). Also known for natural herbal extract. It starts to bloom at March till June with red tube style flowers. To help you identify the many desert plants there are, we created a compendium below of 127 of the most stunning desert plants and succulents. When it starts raining, the plant quickly covers with 1.1inch ovate leaves which will stay there for weeks if not months. We grow our own plants and deliver them right to your door! Learn how your comment data is processed. It can take up to 60 years for a Joshua tree to mature, and it can live up to 150 years. Desert Edibles. It is also known as chicowood or black greasewood. They are really easy to take care of – they need almost nothing. The Golden Barrel cactus is known for being slow-growing and can live for quite a long time. It also needs more space and it does not like a shadow. Mohave yucca (Yucca schidigera) is an evergreen with leaves 2 to 4 inches long and bell-like flowers in purplish white 1 to 2 inches long. Plants that live in the desert, including these carefully chosen perennials, are particularly drought resistant/drought tolerant plants (xeric plants). Agave is a distinctive desert plant that provides food, fibers, sweeteners, and tequila!. The Winecup is a perennial that bears cup-shaped flowers that range in color from light pink to deep magenta. Also known as Candlewood, the ocotillo can live a long life of 60 years, with studies suggesting that some can live well over 100 years. -- Desert flora have adapted to the extremes of heat and aridity by using both physical and behavioral mechanisms, much like desert animals. When new rosettes form at the tips of its stems, its old leaves fall off. will bloom all summer in California and in cooler coastal climates. However, it is the perfect addition to a xeriscape or drought-tolerant desert garden, because it is great for attracting birds and butterflies. Also known as red pancakes, the paddle plant’s funny nickname is derived from its large, bright red, disk-shaped leaves. It is a barrel cactus with 1 foot long cylindrical green stems. Top 6 Revealed, Harvesting Guide for Veggies and Herbs in Every Season, Hoya Plant: A Guide for Plant Care Tips, Techniques, and More, Wandering Jew Plant: Plant Care Tips, Techniques, and More, Dusty Miller: Plant Care Tips, Techniques, and More, How to Install A Flagstone Patio: Two Methods, How to Build a Greenhouse: A Complete Guide for Newbies, 7 Houseplants That Are Dangerous to Dogs and Cats, Have Grubs in Your Lawn? Its blooms are bright yellow, about the same size as their leaves, and they can extend upwards to a height of about 10 feet. It is pollinated by hummingbirds. In the wild desert, the tree plays a key role in the procreation of new plant life as it provides necessary shade and protection for young Saguaro cacti and other vulnerable desert plants to grow. During springtime, you can witness the ghost plant producing bright yellow flowers. Color depends on sunlight intensity. So the next time you see that adorable succulent or unique cactus, you’ll definitely be able to identify it! Its bright yellow flowers have five petals, and its stems can grow up to 12 inches tall. The spherical arrangement of the leaves allows it to funnel water down towards its root base. In a garden setting, the majestic Palo Verde makes for a striking focal point and is a popular choice amongst xeriscape landscapers. Flowers will bloom from February to June. The whitestem paperflower is native to the southwestern United States and can be found in Southern California, Nevada, Utah, and New Mexico all the way to northern Mexico. Plants in the desert have a different adaptive technique to match the climatic changes of the desert. In some areas of sagebrush it reaches 85 percent. Once pollinated, it closes up and the seeds begin to develop into fruit, which sits on top of the cactus until pulled out. There are two types of Palo Verde Trees – Blue Palo Verde with blue trunk and Foothills Palo Verde – green trunk. Desert, any large, extremely dry area of land with sparse vegetation. Potato 9. You can thank pronuba moth for keeping this plant in our plant list because pronuba moth polls this tree. Still, there are several threats for desert and Antarcticaâs plants, including erosion, global warming, and human involvement. In desert regions like the Sahara, the camel is one type of animal that can live in this biome. You may not get fat from them but you will stay alive, which is all that matters in a survival situation. ForGardening also runs. Also known as Agave attenuata, this agave is commonly found in desert gardens and is a popular choice amongst landscapers. Interestingly, this plant is native to the United States, and itâs the plant from which tequila is made. It’s really fast growing. However, if you look closely, the fuzzy specks that adorn this cactus are actually small clusters of tiny little spines. Shrubs and grasses are suited to withstand the harsh dry winds of the desert, with some shrubs that can grow into the size of trees. Top 11 Revealed, Pool Ideas: Stylish and Creative Ideas to Consider, Whatâs the Best Bathroom Heater? the native cacti in your area will also thrive. Lettuce 6. The ingenuity and variety of these many adaptations are explored in Desert Plant Survival and the Desert Food Chain. This plant is considered rare in the US within the Anza Borrego Desert State Park region, Santa Rosa Mountains, Sonoran Desert and parts of the southwestern area of Arizona. The Joshua tree is the largest of the yucca species, and is scientifically known as Yucca brevifolia. One reason for its scarcity is that it completely relies on the female pronuba moth for survival. From the popular ghost plant, to the architectural marvel of the crassula plant, there are so many varieties to choose from. It can be used as a border or as ground cover, and although it does reseed it isn’t aggressive and will not invade the garden. As the official state flower of California, this poppy is known for its bright orange color. Some of the best plants in the desert for food are those that provide some kind of edible fruit or seed. A succulent must be able to absorb large quantities of water in short periods. I'm James and I'm a founder of this blog. They are popular for planting in hanging baskets, which allow the long stems to drape to the ground. The desert gourdâs large, fleshy roots allow it to survive the arid conditions where it grows. Additionally, agaves range in size from the side of your palm to huge âbushâ like plants with bold shapes. From the green Palo Verde tree, to the flowering ocotillo shrub, many of these plants are popular choices for desert garden landscapes. It has large spiny sticks in green color. In general, wildflowers are known to start flowering in early spring from February to March. Greasewood, Sacrobatus vermiculatus, is from the Chenopodiaceae family of plants. Desert plants have adapted their roots, stems, and leaves to store more water and decrease its loss. Desert plants have smaller leaves, seasonal leaves or no leaves at all. Beyond cacti, succulents, and wildflowers, the rest of the desert landscape is inhabited by trees, shrubs, and grasses. As long as you provide these drought-tolerant plants with good drainage, sandy soil, and sunshine, they will thrive for years. The best thing about his grass is that it’s always pest free. Chuparosa, Justica californica, is from the Acanthaceae family of plants. With so many desert plants to choose from it can be difficult to identify which ones are the best for your home and garden. The Landscape Plants section of the AMWUA.org website is the online edition of the AMWUA publication Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert. The entire plant can get 4 to 16 inches tall with erect stems. Desert plants may have to go without fresh water for years at a time. The leaves, flower stalks, flowers, and even the seeds of the agave plant are all edible. Brittle Bush is the type of desert plants that has branches sprout from a woody trunk. Its leaves are smooth and pliable, and unlike its other agave cousins, the leaves are completely spineless — making it a safe choice for planting in gardens. The Desert Willow also known as Chilopsis linearis is a highly tolerant, unique plant that blossoms its shade from purple, pink, white or yellow. For each category, we’ve compiled a helpful desert plants list that outlines the most popular plants within that category. Desert trees and plants donât need to be dull. Pea 8. Gardeners commonly deprive this succulent, as well as several other types of succulents, of nutrients or water on purpose in order to encourage the plant to display its bright and showy colors. They are also called greasewood and have tiny green leaves, adorned with an outer layer. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. Like cacti and succulents, this subgroup of desert plants does not require much care and tends to be slow-growing. The ghost plant is probably one of the most popular succulent plants used today. The extreme climate conditions cause the plant’s formation to be stripped down to just two leaves, which are fused together at its base where the root holds them together. It will have flowers in the spring and summer seasons. Some cactus plants take a long time to grow, or are difficult to establish. Justicia (Desert Honeysuckle) With long, colorful, tubular flowers, justicias are a hummingbird's delight. Grow in saline soil or alkaline soil. Beets 2. Succulent plants have thick, fleshy leaves or stems that are capable of retaining water, allowing the plant to survive during dry periods. The fox tail agave has a centrally curved spear, from which large green leaves emerge and curve back, resulting in a shape that looks like a large green flower. The Mexican thread grass will sprout new leaves in the spring. It has 1 to 2 inch long leaves and reddish-orange flowers from April to August. Can also help lead you to water, allowing the plant ’ s not and... Of due to the ground as long as you provide these drought-tolerant plants and animals specially to... Article will tell you about the types of cactus spines are called glochids, is! Cactus with 1 foot long cylindrical green stems inches tall of ⦠desert plants can also help lead to! 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