Joshua Tree

desert · plant · unique shape

Tall and spiky. Joshua trees can grow 40 feet high with twisted branches covered in sharp leaves that point outward like a natural defense system.

Desert home. These plants only grow in the Mojave Desert, mostly in California, and they love the hot, dry climate where few other plants can survive.

Glowing white flowers. In spring, Joshua trees sprout clusters of creamy white flowers at the end of their branches, which smell sweet and attract night-flying moths.

Perfect moth partner. The Joshua tree and the yucca moth have an amazing friendship: the moth pollinates the flowers while laying its eggs inside them, and the baby moths eat some of the developing seeds.

Named by travelers. Mormon settlers in the 1800s called this plant a Joshua tree because its shape reminded them of the prophet Joshua reaching his arms up to heaven.