The Cholla Cactus
Cholla cactus are found in all of the hot deserts of the American Southwest. The papery-like sheath covering their spines reflects sunlight and protects them from overheating. Entire sections of the cactus can detach from the parent plant, earning them the name jumping cholla. View the Cholla Cactus Garden at Joshua Tree National Park and learn more about them in this video.

 

The Joshua Tree
The Joshua Tree, the largest of the yuccas, grows only in the Mojave Desert. Natural stands of this picturesque, spike-leafed evergreen grow nowhere else in the world. Its height varies from 15-40 feet with a diameter of 1-3 feet. Joshua trees (and most other yuccas) rely on the female Pronuba Moth (Tegeticula) for pollination. No other creature visiting the blooms transfers the pollen from one flower to another.

 

The Prickly Pear Cactus
Prickly pear cactus are found in all of the deserts of the American Southwest. Most prickly pears have large spines, actually modified leaves, on their stems and vary in height from less than a foot to 6 or 7 feet.

 

The Saguaro
Saguaros often begin life in the shelter of a "nurse" tree or shrub which provides a shaded, moister habitat. The largest plants are estimated to be 200 years old and can reach heights of 15 to 50 feet.

 

The Desert Food Chain
A food chain constitutes a complex network of organisms, from plants to animals, through which energy, derived from the sun, flows in the form of organic matter and dissipates in the form of waste heat.

 

The Desert Food Chain: The Role of Energy
Energy is the power to cause change. Plants use energy from the sun to grow and to flower. Animals use energy from plants to grow, reproduce and move. View the video to learn more!

 

2008 Wildflower Retrospectives
The 2008 Wildflower Season was the best in several years. We have made a video retrospective for each area: Arizona | Anza Borrego Desert SP | Death Valley NP | Joshua Tree NP | Mojave Desert & So. California | Nevada & Utah

 

2006 Wildflower Summary
Desert perennials often survive by remaining dormant during dry periods of the year, then springing into bloom when water becomes available. View the best of the 2006 photos sent in by readers!

 

2005 Wildflower Summary
The 2005 wildflower season was one of the best on record. After heavy seasonal rains, an explosion of wildflowers was seen. Readers sent in scores of beautiful pictures, some of the best of which we put together here.

 
Quicktime VRs

Quicktime VR images let you spin around, look up and down and zoom in as if you were standing right there! You need to have Apple's QuickTime (For PC or Mac - free download.)

Wildflowers in Anza-Borrego 2-3-2001 - QTVR
A sweeping view from from Henderson Canyon Road near the Peg Leg monument in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in Southern California on February 3, 2001.

   

Saguaro NP - Visitor Center QTVR
This view of the Saguaro National Park Visitor Center pans to show its beautiful desert garden, and the surrounding saguaros. It captures the desert light very well, and even includes some coyote song.