Monday, October 26, 2015

Desert Plants In The United States & Mexico

Cacti, like this cholla, are some of the most recognizable North American desert plants.


The North American desert is home to many varieties of plants. Due to the similar climate of the deserts in Mexico and the southwestern United States, many plants grow in both countries. Does this Spark an idea?


Big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata)


This evergreen shrub grows throughout the arid west, extending from Mexico all the way into Canada. The plant grows from 2 to 7 feet in height, and bears small yellow flowers.


Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus)


A common cactus, members of this genus are found from southern California throughout the American southwest to central Mexico. The cactus grows in a recognizable barrel shape with long spines and red or yellowish-green blossoms.


Datil Yucca (Yucca baccata)


Also known as Spanish bayonet, Spanish dagger and banana yucca, this plant grows from northern Mexico to Colorado. It grows distinctively long, thick leaves and fleshy fruits once commonly eaten by the Pueblo Indians.


Tumbleweed (Salsola)


These roaming plants originally came from the Russian steppes, but are common today throughout the arid regions of North America. When young, the plant grows succulent shoots with short spines and green flowers, but breaks free of the ground when mature to spread seeds as it rolls.

Tags: plant grows, American desert, grows from, North American, North American desert, plant grows from