Plants for the Southern Nevada Desert

Joshua Tree

• The largest species of yucca, the Joshua tee only grows in the Mojave Desert and is a member of the Lily family. It grows anywhere from 15 to 40 feet tall and has spiky evergreen leaves. It also produces yellow-green flowers that resemble bells, as well as greenish-brown fruit.

Brittle Bush

• This deciduous shrub grows in mounds that reach heights of 2 feet to 5 feet tall. It is a member of the sunflower family and is characterized by a woody trunk, from which branches sprout and small, sunflower-shaped flowers bloom. With a blooming season that lasts from March through June, brittle bushes dot the desert landscape with color.

Creosote Bush

• The creosote bush is actually made up of a grouping of four to 12 smaller bushes. It has spiky green leaves and produces small yellow flowers that grow down the stems of the bush. It has a very distinctive scent, like that of creosote tar --- hence the name. It was used by Native Americans to produce antiseptics and emetics.