tree in the desert , although sparse , dally a crucial role in the ecosystem , offering shade , shelter , and nutrition in coarse environs . Despite the aridity , several mintage have adapted to thrive in these thought-provoking condition , exhibit resilience and unique characteristics . From the tower saguaros to the ticklish Joshua tree , desert landscapes harbour a diverse regalia of Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree specie , each with its own level of endurance .
Different Types of Trees in the Desert
Red Pancake
The Red Pancake ( Kalanchoe thyrsiflora ) , also known as paddle plant life or desert simoleons , features large , orotund , sorry - greenish leave of absence tinged with loss on the edge . prosper in full sun with minimal watering , its overweight leaves continue wet , maintaining their vivacious color in hot desert climates .
Fox Tail Agave
Fox Tail Agave ( Agave attenuata ) , flourishing in hot , arid southwestern comeuppance , often resemble Aloe , but belongs to a trenchant family . With thick bluish - dark-green leaves form a spiky clump , it ’s a favorite for desert gardens , storing moisture to withstand dry conditions . Popular in ornamental gardens , they fly high in both arid and subtropical clime .
Mexican Feather Grass
Mexican FeatherGrass(Stipa tenuissima ) , also known as fine - leaved nassella or fine - stem needlegrass , flourish in full Dominicus and endures desert drouth . With wispy , delicate blade , it enhance careen garden and desert landscapes with its ornamental appeal .
Tumbleweed
Tumbleweed , an iconic quite a little in westerly movies , conformation from various desert flora , detach from their roots to roll across barren landscape . Also bed as Russian thistle , it disperses seeds as it travels , aid its trespassing paste .
Desert Marigold
Desert Marigolds ( Baileya ) , perennials aboriginal to Mexican , Utah , California , and Arizona deserts , brighten arid landscapes with their vibrant icteric blooms . flourish in sunny condition , they require minimal maintenance , offering uninterrupted flowering from spring through the hottest months .
Desert Lily
The Desert Lily ( Hesperocallis ) , although not a true lily , thrives in live desert climates of the Southwest and Mexico . come to to agave plants , it grow largewhite lily - like flowersatop blueish - greyish theme , reaching up to 6 foot . tall .
Jumping Cholla
The Jumping Cholla ( Cylindropuntia fulgida ) , resembling a tree - cactus crossbreed , thrives in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona and California . With a thickset automobile trunk and offshoot - similar growth covered in irritating barb , it reaches about 13 ft . marvelous , expect pink andwhite flowerswith lavender markings .
Ocotillo
Ocotillo ( Fouquieria splendens ) , know for its long green stems , is a desert cactus also called vine cactus or desert coral . Found in Arizona , Texas , New Mexico , and California , it transubstantiate after rain , with barren staunch swelling , plushy leaves emerging , and vivacious violent flowers blooming .
Yellow Palo Verde
The Yellow Palo Verde ( Parkinsonia microphylla ) , a large desert tree , is common in the Sonoran Desert , reaching about 16 ft . tall with yellowish - gullible foliage . It ’s deciduous , shake off leaf in blistering , dry time of year . Its greenish barque facilitate photosynthesis , enabling it to thrive in rough desert condition . Flowers bloom after rainfall , as with many desert works .
Mojave Aster
The Mojave Aster ( Xylorhiza tortifolia ) , a outstanding desertflower , is native to the Mojave Desert , boasting large daisy - like salad days with lavender and white flower petal smother a yellow center . It thrives in the Sonoran and Great Basin Deserts , often set up among Joshua trees , creosote Bush , and saltbush scrub .
Jade Plant
Jade plant ( Crassula ovata ) , known asmoney trees , flourish in desert environments and make sluttish - precaution houseplant due to their permissiveness for arid weather . require minimal lacrimation indoors , they resemble miniature trees and opt plenty of sunshine to thrive . Considered symbols of good portion , they ’re often placed in auspicious locations indoors .
Yellow Bells
Yellow Bells ( Tecoma stans ) , also known as yellow trumpetbush , is a drouth and warmth - tolerant desert shrub . Producing vibrant golden - icteric funnel shape - influence flowers , its emerald green foliage transforms into a pile of chicken , making it an ideal option for full - Lord’s Day desert landscaping .
Prickly Pear Cactus
The prickly pear cactus ( Opuntia ) , known for its pad - like folio covered in spine , thrive in the Southwestern U.S. deserts . With heavy leaves stash away moisture , it survives rough atmospheric condition , blooming vibrant yellow , empurpled , and red flowers , adding colour to barren landscape painting . Growing up to 23 ft . , it resembles the hare ear cactus .
The Joshua Tree
The Joshua Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ( Yucca brevifolia ) , a yucca metal money found in the Mojave Desert , is also known as yucca palm orpalm treeyucca . Native to several state , it can attain up to 50 ft . tall , thriving in desiccate condition . With its big root system , it extracts moisture from the desert landscape . Its short , spiky green leaves produce in clusters atop thick limb , lending it a everlasting , devoid look .
Curve Leaf Yucca
The Curve Leaf Yucca ( Yucca gloriosa var . tristis ) , a desert works unremarkably tame in the southerly U.S. , boasts lower leaf curving slow-witted and upper leaves tapering to acute points . Thriving in sandy soil and coastal dunes , it grows a slurred trunk up to 4 or 5 foot . high and flower with fragrant white-hot flower in large clusters .
Golden Barrel Cactus
The golden barrel cactus ( Echinocactus grusonii ) , resemble a large spiked world , expand in desert landscapes , boasting yellow or white backbone and smallyellow bloom . behind - growing and long - lived , they pass on up to 3 ft . in height and make stunning addition to careen garden or desert landscapes , requiring sandy , well - draining soil and full sun .
Saguaro Cactus
The Saguaro Cactus , or Carnegiea gigantea , stands grandiloquent in desert landscapes with its iconic weapon - same branches . Thriving in the southwest and northerly Mexico , it salt away moisture in its thick stem to endure harsh conditions . blossom from April to June , its large white flowers attract pollinators . While they can rise up to 52 ft . , they are behind - growing and make striking additions to defect yards .
Organ Pipe Cactus
The Organ Pipe Cactus ( Stenocereus thurberi ) , named for its tubelike stems resembling a pipe reed organ , can develop up to 16 foot . with ribbed stem covered in sharp spines . Thriving in full sun and sandy , well - drain soil , they bear delicious fruits , highly regarded by desert inhabitant . Native to the Sonoran Desert in Arizona and Mexico , they make fantabulous additions to drought - tolerant gardens .
Brittlebush
Brittlebush ( Encelia farinosa ) , abundant in southern states and Mexico , sport loaded , easily crushed stems . Despite its name , it adds sonority to desert landscape painting with clusters ofyellow flowersatop juiceless foliage . During drouth , it spill foliage , relying on stem wet to endure the arid climate .
Creosote Bush
The Creosote Bush ( Larrea tridentata ) , also known as greasewood , thrives in arid desert region , gas dainty yellow flowers and a robust root word system of rules for wet absorption . Emitting a distinctive odor reminiscent of creosote compounds , it ’s remarkably resilient , enduring temperature up to 160 ° F and keep up droughts .
Ghost Plant
The Ghost Plant ( Graptopetalum paraguayense ) , also known as mother - of - pearl plant or sedum weinbergii , is a succulent thriving in desert climate like Mexico . Its russet scab - shaped succulent leaves give it a porcelain appearance , making it a democratic choice for houseplants , stone gardens , or open terrarium , lend beauty to various setting .
Desert Palm Trees
While desertpalmsevoke tropic mental imagery , many thrive in the arid climates of Arizona and the Southwest . Consider factor like sunshine photo and humidity when select suitable palm . Examples include Acrocomia species , Bismarckia nobilis , Copernicia baileyana , and Ravenea xerophila , each suited to hot , juiceless conditions .
Torchwood Copal
The torchwood copal ( Bursera fagaroides ) , a desert shrub or small tree , boasts white flowers , crimson - tinged bark , and pinnate leaves . prosper in arid regions , it ’s prized for its redolent rosin and fast outgrowth , reaching 10 - 32 ft . tall . With its attractive show and down in the mouth maintenance , it ’s an first-class selection for both indoor and outdoor cultivation .
Pencil Tree
The pencil tree diagram ( Euphorbia tirucalli ) thrive in semi - arid tropic climates , boasting marvellous branches , fleshy stems , and yellow flowers . attain heights of up to 23 ft . , its succulent stems check toxic sap . With its distinctive appearance and adaptability , it ’s know by various names like flak joint Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or Milk River bushy .
Mexican Lime Cactus
The Mexican lime cactus ( Ferocactus pilosus ) features calcium hydroxide - green barrel - shaped stems adorned with orangish - red spike . It clump together , and its cylindrical shape evolves over sentence . adorn with vivacious red - orange blossom , it brings color and texture to waterless landscapes , make it a pop choice for rock candy gardens , desert landscapes , or container garden .
Coral Vine
The coral vine ( Antigonon leptopus ) , also known as queen ’s chaplet , is a wizardly vining desert plant jactitation heart - shaped parting and pinkish or white peak . With its long trailing vine , it sum elegance to arid landscape , idealistic for cascading over fences , trellises , or as flat coat back in sunny desert gardens .
Beaked Yucca
Beaked yucca ( Yucca rostrata ) , a striking tree - comparable plant , sports a big spiky crown of blue - immature leaves . With its magniloquent height and bound - blooming ashen flowers , it ’s a standout in xeriscape landscapes , idealistic for focal points or specimen trees .
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera ( Aloe barbadensis ) , asucculentdesert plant life , flourishes in hot , waterless climates . With heavy leaves , it thrives in bone - wry , arenaceous soils . Over 500 aloe species exist , often growing in rosette shapes , include the vulgar aloe vera . It ’s desirable for indoor pot cultivation as well .
Texas Sage
Texas Sage ( Leucophyllum frutescens ) , also bonk as wild lilac or Texas Ranger , is a compact shrub native to desert regions . Despite its name , it ’s not related to the herb sage . Withpurple bloom , it ’s idealistic as a specimen or moulding plant life in desert landscapes .
Bottlebrush
Bottlebrush plants ( Callistemon ) , native to Australia , prosper in spicy desert climate with minimal watering . Their modest shrubs have colourful flushed bloom contrasting with short green foliage , resembling bottle brush .
Arizona Poppy Flowers
Arizona Poppy Flowers ( Kallstroemia grandiflora ) , aboriginal to the southwestern United States , blossom with vivacious orangish , yellow , or orange - cherry-red flowers after summertime monsoons . heating plant and drought - large-minded , they grow in shaggy thumping , reaching 2 - 3 foot . grandiloquent and 5 ft . wide , with nongregarious flowers on wiry stem . Found in California , Texas , and other sandy comeuppance .
Marsh Aster
Marsh Aster ( Almutaster pauciflorus ) , a repeated herbaceous plant , blooms with delicate purplish flush resemble daisies . Thriving in sandlike soils , it withstands drought . flower from bounce to summer , it grows up to 47 ” tall and wide of the mark , featuring shrubby wont and multiple flowers per stem turn . find in southwestern North America ’s desert and juiceless country .
California Poppy
The California Poppy ( Eschscholzia californica ) , also have it away as the golden cup , shoot a line vibrant orange bloom atop lush mound of dreary immature foliage . Drought - tolerant , it grows 6 - 12 ” marvelous and extensive , perfect for ground cover in USDA zones 8–10 . This iconic heyday is the state of matter flower of California .
Desert Primrose
Desert Primrose ( Oenothera primiveris ) , also known as birdcage evening primrose , features orotund , papery yellow flowers and sparse , wan greenish leaf . Thriving in open desert orbit , it circularize and grows up to 18 ” tall and 40 ” astray . launch in Arizona , California , Utah , and Nevada .
Apache Plume
The Apache Plume ( Fallugia paradoxa ) , a desert bush , shoot a line dainty white-hot flowers contrast with shaggy-haired foliation . aboriginal to the arid Southwest , it develop 3 - 6 ft . magniloquent and wide , thriving in ironical habitats and foreclose soil corrosion .
Devil’s Claw
Devil ’s Claw ( Harpagophytum ) , a dark pinkish desert plant , features fragrant Battle of Magenta flush andheart - shaped leaveswith wavy margins . Growing low to the ground , it spreads 24 ” wide , thriving in arenaceous , low - rainfall area . Also known as the grapple plant , it ’s not to be confuse with other plants sharing the name .
Fairy Duster
Fairy Duster ( Calliandra eriophylla ) , an evergreen shrub native to deserts , features puff - like pink and white flower resemble feather duster . With fern - comparable leafage , it grows low to the ground and bloom yr - circular , making it ideal for desert garden as foundation garment planting or stress .
Desert Mariposa Lily
The Desert Mariposa Lily ( Calochortus kennedyi ) , jazz for its stunning orangeness or yellow bloom , features cornet - work petals measuring 1 ” to 2 ” astray . With a spreading wont , it arise 2 ” to 18 ” tall and wide , invest with tenuous gray leaf .
Chaste Tree
The Chaste Tree ( Vitex agnus - castus ) , known for its fragrant lilac bloom and gray - green leaf , becomes a sight of over-embellished and lilac colouring material when bloom in summer . heating - tolerant and drouth - resistive , it flourish in full Sunday , grow 3 to 16 ft . tall , with an erect riding habit and dull foliage .
Mulga
The mulga tree diagram ( Acacia aneura ) , characterized by its rounded , disperse habit and fuzzy icteric bottlebrush peak , thrives in arid landscapes . With compact size and evergreen plant leaf , it ’s idealistic for desert garden , offering year - foresighted interest .
Anacacho Orchid Tree
The Anacacho Orchid Tree ( Bauhinia lunarioides ) , a semi - evergreen desert Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , showcases stunning lily-white orchid - like blossom and bi - lob pale green leaves . With argent - gray bark and flattened seed pods , it arise 6 to 12 ft . tall , prosper in full sun and tolerating drouth and poor soils . Its unique leaf shape andbeautiful flowersmake it an attractive improver to desert landscapes .
Cane Cholla
The Cane Cholla ( Cylindropuntia spinosior ) , a striking aboriginal cactus , features spinous overrefinement halt and vivacious pink peak . With rope - comparable grey-haired - green stems , it grows 3 - 8 ft . marvellous , sometimes resembling a cactus tree diagram . Its captivating appearance adds optic appealingness to desert garden .
Claret Cup Cactus
The Claret Cup Cactus ( Echinocereus triglochidiatus ) gas tumid blue - green theme adorned with sharp spikes and striking bow - shaped red-faced peak . With pink stamen and a nectar bedchamber , the heyday measure 3 - 4 ” long . well-fixed to cultivate , it grows 15 - 24 ” marvelous and 18 - 24 ” wide , adding allure to succulent or desert garden .
Old Man Cactus
The Old Man Cactus ( Pachycereus schottii ) , characterise by its thorny stems and large shrub - like form , features big ribs , white summertime flowers , and cerise testis - shaped fruits . Growing up to 10 ft . tall and wide , it blooms during summertime nights , earning the name “ queen mole rat of the Nox . ”Thriving in full sunand arid , well - drain dirt , it ’s a springy desert works .
Mexican Fencepost Cactus
The Mexican Fencepost Cactus ( Lophocereus marginatus ) , recognize for its stiff , spiny stem , produces large pink heyday and spine - cut through fruits . mature 10 - 15 ft . tall and 4 ft . wide , it ’s perfect for desiccate landscapes , serve as a specimen or accent works , or in mass plantings for natural security measures barriers or windbreaks .
Purple Poppy Mallow
The Purple Poppy Mallow ( Callirhoe involucrata ) , known as wine loving cup or buffalo roses , feature magenta cup - shaped bloom contrasting with mystifying - green leaves . Drought - resistant and low - growing , it ’s ideal for foot planting , border , or cascading over hold back walls , develop 8 - 12″ tall and up to 35″ panoptic .
Purple Sage
PurpleSage(Salvia dorii ) , or desert sage , is a low - growing bush with bass blue - violet spikes contrasting against silvery - gray parting . expand in arid grime , it ’s ideal for borders , foundation planting , or ground cover in desert gardens , rise 1 - 3 ft . tall and up to 4 foot . wide . With minimal lacrimation motive , it ’s a resilient desert flora .
