When it comes to the high desert , there are several plants that thrive in this unequaled and ambitious environment . From the stunning beaut of the Joshua Tree to the hardy and resilient sage brush , these plant have adapted to the harsh conditions and can bring liveliness and color to any high desert landscape .

1 . Joshua Tree : The Joshua Tree ( Yucca brevifolia ) is an iconic plant of the high desert . Its tall , branching form and spiky leaf make it instantly placeable . These trees can live for hundreds of year and can withstand the extreme temperatures and juiceless conditions of the desert . They involve very small piddle and are a heavy choice for a low - maintenance landscape painting .

2 . sage brush : Sagebrush ( Artemisia tridentata ) is another plant that is well suited to the high desert . It is a hardy bush with argent - gray-haired leaves and a hard aroma . Sagebrush is know for its power to survive in poor dirt and drought weather condition . It offer home ground and food for many native brute and is an crucial part of the high desert ecosystem .

3 . Prickly Pear Cactus : Prickly Pear Cactus ( Opuntia spp . ) is a case of cactus that is commonly found in the gamy desert . It has flat , boat paddle - shape pads cover in spines and vibrant flowers in shades of yellow , pinkish , and orangish . Prickly Pear Cactus is extremely drouth tolerant and can thrive in rough , well - draining dirt . It is also eatable , with the tablet and yield being used in cooking and traditional music .

4 . Desert Marigold : Desert Marigold ( Baileya multiradiata ) is a perennial herb with bright yellow flowers that flower in the spring and summer . It is well adapted to the high desert , with silver - gray leaves that help reduce body of water loss . Desert Marigold is drought tolerant and attracts pollinator such as bees and butterflies . It can be a great addition to a xeriscape garden or as a delimitation flora in a desert landscape .

5 . Desert Four O’Clock : Desert Four O’Clock ( Mirabilis multiflora ) is a low - growing perennial with trump - form flowers that open in the late afternoon . It get its name from the fact that the flowers typically spread around four o’clock in the afternoon . Desert Four O’Clock is well accommodate to the wry conditions of the high desert and can tolerate a wide range of stain types . It is a great alternative for tot color to a desert garden .

6 . Desert Mariposa Lily : Desert Mariposa Lily ( Calochortus kennedyi ) is a sensational wildflower that is aboriginal to the gamey desert . It has big , sporty flowers in shades of white-hot , pink , and purple . Desert Mariposa Lily flower in the spring and is a front-runner of pollinator such as bees and butterfly . It opt well - draining soil and can be a beautiful summation to a aboriginal plant life garden or wildflower meadow .

7 . Desert Willow : Desert Willow ( Chilopsis linearis ) is a diminished tree or large shrub that is well suited to the mellow desert . It has farsighted , minute leave and produces showy , horn - shaped flush in shades of pinkish , majestic , or livid . Desert Willow is drought tolerant and can flourish in flaxen or rough soil . It is a with child alternative for adding meridian and structure to a desert landscape .

The high desert offers a alone and thought-provoking environment for plant ontogeny . However , with the correct selection of plant , you could create a beautiful and thriving landscape painting . From the iconic Joshua Tree to the vibrant Desert Mariposa Lily , there are plenty of pick to choose from . By pick out plants that are well adapted to the teetotal conditions and extreme temperatures of the high desert , you may create a sustainable and low - alimony garden that lend beauty and life to your outdoor space .

Caroline Bates