Seeds for a Northern Desert Climate

Trees

• Native trees of the Great Basin Desert include junipers and pines. The Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma) is the most common tree found growing in the 3,000- to 8,000-foot elevations. Junipers are coniferous trees; the Utah juniper has scale-like bronze cones with a bluish-white top that bear seeds. Bristlecone pines (Pinus longaeva) grow in elevations between 9,000 and 11,500 feet. The Great Basin Bristlecone pine is the world’s longest living tree for over 4,600 years, according to the National Parks Service. The winged seeds of bristlecone pine trees grow in scaled cones and rely upon nutcrackers for dispersement.

Shrubs

• Many species of shrubs grow in the Great Basin Desert such as ephedra and sagebrush. Two varieties of ephedra thrive in this harsh northern desert climate, Nevada Ephedra (Ephedra nevadensis) and Green Ephedra (Ephedra viridis). Ephdera plants have edible seeds that form in cone-like fruits. Sagebrush is the most recognized plant species in the Great Basin Desert. Big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentate) is an evergreen shrub and the state flower of Nevada. Sagebrush plants are wind pollinated, and their seeds are edible. Native Americans ate the seeds and used the leaves for medicinal teas.

Flowers

• Most wildflowers occur at the lower elevations in the Great Basin Desert. Common paintbrush (Castilleja chromosa) is a perennial plant that blooms in the middle of summer with bright scarlet flowers protected by bracts covered in tiny hairs. Desert or mountain phlox (Phlox austromontana) is a 2- to 4-inch-tall perennial that develops a low-growing mat habit. During April through May, insects and hummingbirds pollinate the white, lavender, blue, pink or yellow blossoms of the desert phlox.

Fruits and Vegetables

• The Great Basin Desert has a short growing season for fruits and vegetables. Cultivated fruits and vegetables typically require additional irrigation. Teller County Master Gardeners recommend adding a few weeks to the estimated harvest time on the back of seed packets for crops planted in the high desert. Selecting fruits and vegetables that take under 65 days to harvest ensure that they will complete their growing cycle before the frosts arrive. Fruits that thrive in this northern desert climate are tomatoes, melons and pumpkins. Vegetables that develop quickly enough before the harsh weather sets in the Great Basin Desert include eggplant, okra, corn and sweet potatoes.