When you think of the desert, you might not associate it with fertility, but there are a number of different plants – including cactuses – that inhabit the planet’s driest regions. These __ desert plants are some of the few that make their home in the sand.
1. Pancake Prickly Pear Cactus
The Pancake Prickly Pear is an instantly recognizable species of cactus and is common in areas surrounding the United States and Mexico border. Their “pancake” flat arms can grow up to 6 feet high.
2. Barrel Cactus
While the Prickly Pear may have size going for it, the Barrel Cactus is one of the most popular cactus varieties for use as succulents. Low to the ground and with a lovely center flower, beware of trying to pick it – the Barrel’s spines can be toxic.
3. Saguaro Cactus
The Saguaro Cactus most resembles…show more content… They are hardy and well designed to survive the desert terrain.
10. Desert Marigold
This is an easy one! The Desert Marigold has lovely yellow flowers, like your typical Marigolds, only in the desert! They flower for most of the spring and summer, but often into the fall months as well.
11. Desert Willow
This small tree features beautiful flowers, but is not actually a willow; the name comes from a similarity between its leaves and the leaves of a traditional willow.
12. Desert Lily
To prove that the cactus isn’t the only thing surviving the harsh desert, the Desert Lily does an excellent show of bringing the beauty of lilies to desert areas in the Southwestern United States and Mexico.
13. Turpentine Broom
With straight-up stalks standing at attention, Turpentine Brooms are so called because they typically don’t have leaves, only fruit or flowers at the top, creating a broom-like effect.
14. Mojave-aster
Technically an herb, the Mojave-aster can be found in desert areas around canyons, and it has a small stem, usually with a white flower.
