My favorite experience in a desert ecosystem was the trip I took in Saguaro National Park. Documenting the Saguaro cacti has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember.
A truly ancient cactus and some of these cacti can be over 200 years old!!! It is such a unique form of an old-growth forest and it is truly awe inspiring! These long-lived cacti can grow upwards of 46 ft tall and provide habitat for so many wildlife.
My favorite garden design has always been arid desert gardens. Arid landscapes typically require less maintenance. Desert gardens have some very unique desert plant varieties that make them an equally stunning and awesoming addition to any outdoor garden.
I wanted to create a guidebook to help better understand desert plants in their native habitat and also the best way to establish desert plants into a backyard landscape garden. So, here is my guide to desert plants.
We will discuss types and adaptations of desert plants and the opportunities in working with desert gardening to establish a unique arid ecosystem.
Overview Of Desert Ecosystems
Did you know that desert ecosystems cover one-fifth of the earth’s surface?! There are several types of desert biomes:
- Hot and dry deserts
- Semi-arid deserts
- Coastal deserts
- Cold deserts
You may think a cold desert would not be a thing, but Antartica is a cold desert!
Desert ecosystems are harsh, dry landscapes that, on average, have very little precipitation. Desert ecosystems can also have extreme changes in temperature; this makes it very difficult for any forms of plants to survive in desert regions.
Desert soil can range from sandy gravel to steoney. Desert-specific flora and fauna have adapted to overcome these limiting arid conditions.
What Are Desert Plants?
The wide variety of drought-resilient desert plants have made adaptations to survive in unforgiving ecosystems. They are known as xerophyte plants.
They grow with little rainfall, storing water in their leaves and body tissues. Desert plants are often leafless, with spines. Most have deeper root structures.
Adaptations Of Desert Plants
Dealing With Drought
Influencing millionium of years, plants in the desert climate have behavioral adaptations to cope with drought. Some plants can go through extended periods of time without water. One of the ways plants cope with drought is by use of a water storage mechanism.
Some plants store water in their leaves, others have thick skins to maintain moisture. If the desert plant has leaves, their leaves are usually small in size because the small leaf size reduces water evaporation by having a reduced leaf area.
Let’s get more in detail with the specific behavioral adaptations desert plants use to survive in a desert climate.
Water Storage Mechanisms
Certain desert plants have evolved mechanisms for storing water to assist with water conservation. Cacti and succulents are great examples of these. They can stockpile water and go a long time without a drink.
They are able to store water in the tissue of the plant itself, which the plant can use during the tough times. They have also evolved prickly spines to deter animals from consuming the water in the plant reserves!
Leaf Adaptations
A leaf adjustment of desert plants reduces evaporation and helps conserve water during the heat of the day. Some adaptations are just leafless plants.
An example is succulents or cactus plants. These plants instead have thick pads which allow them to hold water in the plant. Plants with leaves tend to be small. An example of this is crape myrtle with it’s small leaf which is ovate in shape.
Adapted Photosynthesis In Desert Plants
Some plants of the desert have evolve their photosynthesis process to occur at night rather than on hot days of the desert. Plants like certain cacti and succulents use this process to conserve water and to use night time pollinators.
If, for example, you were to do photosynthesis during the day in the hot desert, you would lose higher percentage of water in doing so from transpiration and evaporation.
Desert plants have figured out a solution to this problem by opening their stomata at night, which helps to conserve water loss because the temperature is cooler at night than during the day.
The stomata are pores in the skin and other organs of the plant to facilitate chemical exchange in the process of photosynthesis.
The plants open their stomata and, with lower temperatures, reduces water evaporation and it allows plants to conserve water. This is an amazing evolution!
Reproductive Adaptation
Desert plants have also adapted to attract nocturnal pollination sources. Bats and moths are examples of the types of nocturnal resources these flowers attract.
Nighttime photosynthesis co-evolved with these nocturnal pollinators. By doing nighttime photosynthesis and attracting noonturnal pollinator resources, these flowering species increase their chance of survival.
Structural Adaptations
Desert plants have structural adaptations in their surface development of spines. Interestingly, the spines serve to displace wind on the surface pads in order to protect drying and cracking.
Other structural adaptations are various developmental root structures. Some plants have developed deep rooting systems that are able to go deep in the earth to reach water.
Other desert plants have a root system that spread out along the surface of their environment, in an effort to absorb as much water as possible from rain.
Types Of Desert Plants
Generally speaking, the properties which a plant is accustomed to thriving in the desert environment includes well-draining sandy, gravel or rocky soil. They definitely prefer full sun a little watering. There are extremely adaptable to unfavorable environment growing conditions
Following are the care and maintenance specifications in the information boxes in the different desert plants.
Here are some of my favorites.
Cacti & Succulents
Beavertail Cactus
| Beavertail Cactus | Care Information |
|---|---|
| Origin | The Mojave and Sonoran deserts, California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah |
| Plant size | 11 inches height x 5 ft wide (27.94 x 152.4 centimeters) |
| Flowering | March through june |
| Light | Full sun |
| Watering | Once every 3 weeks |
| Fertilizer | None |
| Potting soil | Quick draining, sandy gravel |
| Pruning | None |
| Repotting | Slow growing |
| Toxicity | None |
Soaptree Yucca
| Soaptree Yucca | Care Information |
|---|---|
| Origin | Mid-Arizona, New Mexico, Western parts of Texas |
| Plant size | 18 feet tall (5.49 meters) |
| Flowering | Spring- fruiting into the summer |
| Light | Full sun |
| Watering | Minimal |
| Fertilizer | None |
| Potting soil | Sandy or loamy soil |
| Pruning | None |
| Repotting | When you see roots matted on top of the soil |
| Toxicity | None |
Century Plant
| Century Plant | Care Information |
|---|---|
| Origin | Southern California, Texas and Mexico |
| Plant size | Ground plant with stalk that measures 25 feet (7.62 meters) |
| Flowering | June through august |
| Light | Full sun but withstand part shade |
| Watering | Minimal |
| Fertilizer | None |
| Potting soil | Sandy soil |
| Pruning | None |
| Repotting | Every other year |
| Toxicity | Toxic to humans and animals |
Saguaro Cactus
| Saguaro Cactus | Care Information |
|---|---|
| Origin | Dry parts of California, Arizona and mexico. Their range only extends to about 4,000 ft above the sea. Therefore, they are only located in small pockets within the southern part of the states and a small area in Sonora, Mexico |
| Plant size | Can grow up to 46 feet (14.02 meters) tall and can live for almost 200 years. |
| Flowering | White flowers on crown |
| Light | Full sun |
| Watering | Minimal |
| Fertilizer | None |
| Potting soil | Well drained sandy soil |
| Pruning | none |
| Repotting | Slow growing. Pot up as it grows. |
| Toxicity | Not toxic |
Hedgehog Cactus
| Hedgehog Cactus | Care Information |
|---|---|
| Origin | Southern California |
| Plant size | 1 – 3 feet tall (0.3 – 0.9 meters) |
| Flowering | Bright red flowers that bloom at nightOnly blooms for 5 days |
| Light | Full sun |
| Watering | Minimal |
| Fertilizer | None |
| Potting soil | Well drained sandy soil |
| Pruning | None |
| Repotting | Slow growing. Repot as it grows |
| Toxicity | Edible- produces fruits that birds eat and other wild animals |
Fishhook Cactus
| Fishhook Cactus | Care Information |
|---|---|
| Origin | New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, California |
| Plant size | 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) tall |
| Flowering | September through October |
| Light | Full sun |
| Watering | Minimal |
| Fertilizer | Non |
| Potting soil | Well drained sandy soil |
| Pruning | None |
| Repotting | Slow growing. Repot as it grows |
| Toxicity | Toxic to humans and animals |
Senita Cactus
| Senita Cactus | Care Information |
|---|---|
| Origin | Rocky hillsides of Sonoran desert |
| Plant size | 25 ft (7.62 meters) tall |
| Flowering | Pale red and pink flowers |
| Light | Full sun |
| Watering | Minimal |
| Fertilizer | None |
| Potting soil | Dry rocky soil |
| Pruning | None |
| Repotting | Every 2-3 years |
| Toxicity | Edible fruits |
Agave
| Agave | Care Information |
|---|---|
| Origin | Mexico and the southwestern United States, particularly the deserts of Mexico, Arizona, and Texas |
| Plant size | 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters) tall |
| Flowering | Tall flower stalks with tubular yellow, orange, or red flowers |
| Light | Full sun |
| Watering | Minimal |
| Fertilizer | None |
| Potting soil | Dry rocky soil |
| Pruning | None |
| Repotting | Every 2-3 years |
| Toxicity | Not toxic |
Varieties And Uses
Three varieties of Agave are used in traditional medicine. Agave tequilana, Agave angustifolia, and Agave americana are all considered to have anti-inflammatory properties, and they are traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory medication in their sap form.
Agave tequilana Weber is the only variety that is used to make tequila.
Aloe
| Aloe | Care Information |
|---|---|
| Origin | Arabian Peninsula, Africa, and parts of the Mediterranean |
| Plant size | 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) tall |
| Flowering | Tubular flowers that range in color from orange to red or yellow |
| Light | Full sun |
| Watering | Minimal |
| Fertilizer | None |
| Potting soil | Dry rocky soil |
| Pruning | Remove dead or dying leaves |
| Repotting | Every 1-2 years |
| Toxicity | Generally safe for humans but can be toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs, if ingested |
Varieties And Uses
Aloe vera is by far the most common aloe used for medicinal purposes. This wild plant has anti-inflammatory properties and has a very soothing feel to it.
Other varieties of aloe that are used medicinally include Aloe perryi, Aloe ferox, and Aloe arborescens, which all have similar properties. Aloe is typically used most for sunburns.
Ocotillo
| Octillo | Care Information |
|---|---|
| Origin | Southwestern United States, Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts, and parts of northern Mexico |
| Plant size | 10-20 feet (3-6 meters) tall |
| Flowering | Bright red tubular flowers |
| Light | Full sun |
| Watering | Minimal |
| Fertilizer | None |
| Potting soil | Dry rocky soil |
| Pruning | Remove dead or dying leaves |
| Repotting | Every 2-3 years |
| Toxicity | Not toxic |
Unique Characteristics And Uses
Ocotillo was once the thorn in my side as I hiked up a desert mountain in New Mexico! These plants grow tall (up to 20 ft tall!).
Their long cacti-like pads are armed with sharp barbs, which hurt if you bumped into it! These barbs are for their defense to conserve water and deter wildlife and birds. It is also used as fencing because of its sharp spines!
Desert Grasses, Trees & Shrubs:
California Fan Palm
| California Fan Palm | Care Information |
|---|---|
| Origin | Mojave and Sonoran deserts |
| Plant size | 20 feet (6 meters) tall |
| Flowering | White small flowers |
| Light | Full sun |
| Watering | Minimal |
| Fertilizer | None |
| Potting soil | Moist sandy loamy soil that is well drained |
| Pruning | None |
| Repotting | Plant outside and give lots of space for growth |
| Toxicity | Edible seeds that feeds birds and other wild animals |
Bougainvillea
| Bougainvillea | Care Information |
|---|---|
| Origin | Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Peru, and Argentina |
| Plant size | 20-30 feet (6-9.14 meters) tall and wide if supported |
| Flowering | Spring through autumn |
| Light | Full sun |
| Watering | Minimal watering |
| Fertilizer | None |
| Potting soil | Well drained sandy loam |
| Pruning | Prune new growth and shoots from last year in early spring. Only take 1/3rd of a branch |
| Repotting | Best out of pots. Replant in early spring if moving shrubs |
| Toxicity | Not toxic |
Mesquite Tree
| Mesquite Tree | Care Information |
|---|---|
| Origin | Most of the South West |
| Plant size | 20-50 feet (6-15.24 meters) tall |
| Flowering | Flowers bloom in spring and summer. Flower colors range from green to yellow |
| Light | Full sun |
| Watering | Minimal |
| Fertilizer | None |
| Potting soil | Well drained sandy soil |
| Pruning | Need yearly pruning to maintain shape and to keep under control |
| Repotting | Best out of a pot. Very hard to replant as the tree grows very fast and has a deep tap root |
| Toxicity | Edible beans seed pods |
Whitethorn Acacia
| Whitethorn Acacia | Care Information |
|---|---|
| Origin | Arizona, New Mexico, Texas |
| Plant size | 19 feet (5.8 meters) tall |
| Flowering | Yellow, puff ball flowers. Sweet smell at night |
| Light | Full sun |
| Watering | Minimal |
| Fertilizer | None |
| Potting soil | Well drained sandy soil |
| Pruning | Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain form and shape! |
| Repotting | Best not to grow in a pot. Replant in spring |
| Toxicity | Yes, toxic to humans and animals |
Crape Myrtle
| Crape Myrtle | Care Information |
|---|---|
| Origin | Asia |
| Plant size | 20-20 feet (6-9.14 meters) tall |
| Flowering | Late spring through summer |
| Light | Full sun |
| Watering | Once a week |
| Fertilizer | Organic all-purpose, well-balanced fertilizer. Apply every three weeks during the growing season |
| Potting soil | Well drained soil with compost |
| Pruning | Flowers grow on the new growth of the crape myrtle. pruning should be done prior to new growth, in late winter |
| Repotting | Should be grown in the garden and are hard to replant once roots have developed |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
Joshua Tree
| Joshua Tree | Care Information |
|---|---|
| Origin | Mojave Desert |
| Plant size | 15 feet (4.57 meters) tall |
| Flowering | cream-white to yellow-green flowers, blooming in the spring. They have a sour scent |
| Light | Full sun |
| Watering | Minimal |
| Fertilizer | None |
| Potting soil | Sandy well drained soil |
| Pruning | None |
| Repotting | Slow grower |
| Toxicity | Toxic to humans and animals |
Desert Lavender
| Desert Lavender | Care Information |
|---|---|
| Origin | Sonora, Baja, California |
| Plant size | 10 feet (3.05 meters) tall |
| Flowering | Sweet smelling, spring blooming, violet flowers |
| Light | Full sun |
| Watering | Water deeply in the summer season and allow it to dry out completely before deep watering again |
| Fertilizer | None |
| Potting soil | Sandy, well drained soil |
| Pruning | Prune in late summer, aftering flowers are spent |
| Repotting | Replant in spring |
| Toxicity | Non toxic |
Creosote Bush
| Creosote Bush | Care Information |
|---|---|
| Origin | Southwestern desserts of Utah, Arizona, California, Mexico, Texas |
| Plant size | 3-10 feet (0.9-3 meters) tall |
| Flowering | Yellow flowers bloom February to August. Will hold its flower most of the year |
| Light | Full sun |
| Watering | Minimal |
| Fertilizer | None |
| Potting soil | Well drained sandy soil |
| Pruning | Prune in early spring to maintain shape |
| Repotting | Transplant in late winter |
| Toxicity | Toxic to human and animals |
Desert Flower Varieties:
California Poppy
| California Poppy | Care Information |
|---|---|
| Origin | Western Oregon to Southern California |
| Plant size | 6-12 inches (15.24-30.48 centimeters) tall |
| Flowering | Bright orange flowers bloom in early summer |
| Light | Full sun |
| Watering | Minimal |
| Fertilizer | None |
| Potting soil | Sandy, well drained soil |
| Pruning | None |
| Repotting | No |
| Toxicity | Toxic to humans and animals |
Ghost Flower
| Ghost Flower | Care Information |
|---|---|
| Origin | Nevada, Arizona, California |
| Plant size | 10 inches (25.4 centimeters) tall |
| Flowering | Translucent pale cream |
| Light | Full sun |
| Watering | Minimal |
| Fertilizer | None |
| Potting soil | Well drained sandy soil |
| Pruning | None |
| Repotting | Repot in spring |
| Toxicity | Toxic to humans and animals |
Desert Marigold
| Desert Marigold | Care Information |
|---|---|
| Origin | Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Mexico and Texas |
| Plant size | 10 inches (25.4 centimeters) tall |
| Flowering | Yellow flowers bloom March – November |
| Light | Full sun |
| Watering | Minimal |
| Fertilizer | None |
| Potting soil | Well drained Sandy or rocky soil |
| Pruning | None |
| Repotting | No |
| Toxicity | Brown seeds edible by birds |
Yellow Nightshade
| Yellow Nightshade | Care Information |
|---|---|
| Origin | Deserts of western North America |
| Plant size | 32 inches (81.28 centimeters) |
| Flowering | Bell shaped, bright yellow flower |
| Light | Full sun |
| Watering | Minimal |
| Fertilizer | None |
| Potting soil | Well drained |
| Pruning | None |
| Repotting | Every 1 to 2 years |
| Toxicity | Poisonous, Highly Toxic |
Desert Willow
| Desert Willow | Care Information |
|---|---|
| Origin | California |
| Plant size | 18 feet (5.49 meters) tall |
| Flowering | Light purple |
| Light | Full sun |
| Watering | Once a month |
| Fertilizer | None |
| Potting soil | Rocky slopes |
| Pruning | Prune back late winter, early spring |
| Repotting | Replant in the fall. Doesn’t do well grown in pots |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
Brittlebush
| Brittlebush | Care Information |
|---|---|
| Origin | Southwestern USA, Northern Mexico |
| Plant size | 2-5 feet (0.61-1.52 meters) tall |
| Flowering | Purple, orange, and yellow daisy-like flowers. Bloom time March to May |
| Light | Full sun |
| Watering | Water when soil is dry |
| Fertilizer | None |
| Potting soil | Rocky, gravel soil |
| Pruning | Prune late in spring to keep shape |
| Repotting | Replant in fall. Not suggested to grow in pots |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
Desert Lily
| Desert Lily | Care Information |
|---|---|
| Origin | Mojave and Sonoran deserts |
| Plant size | 4 feet (1.22 meters) tall |
| Flowering | Cream flowers that that a sweet smell |
| Light | Full sun |
| Watering | Minimal |
| Fertilizer | None |
| Potting soil | Well drained sandy loam |
| Pruning | None |
| Repotting | After blooming in early summer |
| Toxicity | Toxic to humans and animals |
Desert Grevillea
| Desert Grevillea | Care Information |
|---|---|
| Origin | Australia |
| Plant size | 3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters) tall |
| Flowering | Blooms in spring |
| Light | Full sun |
| Watering | Minimal |
| Fertilizer | None |
| Potting soil | Well drained sandy soil |
| Pruning | Cute back late winter, early spring |
| Repotting | Replant in fall. Not recommended for pots |
| Toxicity | Toxic to humans and animals |
Desert Senna
| Desert Senna | Care Information |
|---|---|
| Origin | Mojave Desert, Sonoran Desert in California, Nevada, and Arizona and northern Mexico. |
| Plant size | 2 feet (0.6 meters) tall |
| Flowering | Yellow blooms April through October |
| Light | Full sun |
| Watering | Minimal |
| Fertilizer | None |
| Potting soil | Sandy, well drained soil |
| Pruning | None |
| Repotting | Repot in spring |
| Toxicity | Toxic to animals and human |
Mexican Poppy
| Mexican Poppy | Care Information |
|---|---|
| Origin | Arizona, New Mexico, California, Texas, Colorado, Utah and Nevada |
| Plant size | 8-18 inches (20.32-45.72 centimeters) |
| Flowering | Yellow blooms February through May |
| Light | Full sun |
| Watering | Minimal |
| Fertilizer | None |
| Potting soil | Well drained, sandy and gravel soil |
| Pruning | None |
| Repotting | Repot in fall |
| Toxicity | Toxic to humans and animals |
Benefits And Uses Of Desert Plants
Wildlife Habitat
Plant species in desert systems provide shelter, food, or hosts for desert animals. The Saguaro Cacti (Carnegiea gigantea) are a great example of keystone species because many forms of wildlife rely on them for survival.
They provide sustenance and habitats for desert animals including a variety of:
- Birds
- Mammals
- Bats
- Honey bees
These cacti serve birds especially well because it provides nesting habitat and serves as a food source.
Birds like the Gila woodpecker (Melanerpes uropygialis) are cavity-nesting birds that regularly excavate holes in the prickly cactus skin each season to create nests.
The Gila woodpecker excavates a new hole in the cactus skin each year, providing various birds and mammals with vacated lodging that may otherwise be unavailable.
Mammals such as bobcats, as an example, will also use the cacti as an elevated perch to rest and to hunt. Many birds of varying species will utilize them in a variety of ways including:
- Elf owls
- House finches
- Flycatchers
- Purple martins
Herbal Medicines
There is a variety of medical functions of desert flora. Aloe Vera has been treating burns and soothing skin for generations. Soaptree yucca has roots that create soap.
Creosote bush leaves should be chewed for healthy oral hygiene, as well as treating toothaches, dandruff, and even fevers to local indigenous peoples.
Landscaping With Desert Plants
Designing a desert landscape is one of my most favorite design aesthetics. These specialized plants can be impactful, showy and are attractive to wildlife! They are very low maintenance and drought tolerant.
One identifying factor to consider when designing a desert plant garden is the plant species you are familiar with, what species can survive in your area.
Since we’ve discussed previously these are specialized plants that have habitat requirements, its import to know your hardiness zone and the hardiness zone of each plant can survive in. That is your starting point to execute a desert landscape!
Popular Desert Plants For Landscaping
Yucca
Yucca makes for a wonderful filler plant in the garden. It is short and stout, with a long flowering spike that stands off the ground when it is in bloom.
It is evergreen and can work well if planted in key areas throughout the garden. It could become a wonderful plant in that it adds a cohesive flow throughout the space.
Desert Grevillea
Desert grevillea is a wonderful shrub for your garden, and it is a wonderful food source for hummingbirds! It is also an evergreen shrub providing structure and color to the garden throughout the year.
Crape Myrtle
Crape myrtles create an impactful statement tree. They bloom most of the summer and come in whole range of varieties including pink, dark pink, purple, and white.
You can plant them close together to create quite a decorative hedge row. They also have a unique paper bark and smaller respective leaves. They can add a dainty look to any garden.
California Poppies
California poppies provide excellent coverage at ground level. They self-seed and have an impressive visual impact when grown en masse, especially in bloom.
Be sure you are in an area where California poppy is native to. The California poppy can be invasive and is a good spreader!
Prickly Pear Cactus
For those of you in a cooler climate, Prickly pear cactus is an excellent addition to your desert plant garden. Prickly pear cacti are cold hardy and native to all over North America. They have large pads with lovely flowers and look great in mass planting on rocky sites.
Design Tips For Desert Landscapes
Height is an important consideration with desert plants, and they tend to be slow-growing. Taller plants should go along the back edge of the garden bed.
Using plants in groups of three, five, or seven to follow basic design principles creates fullness and beauty in both the garden and your home.
Do you want to add your favorite desert plant but you don’t live in the correct climate? Try them in pots!
You can keep them in your yard during the summer, and bring them inside once the winter gets colder. Be sure you are putting your plants where they can get full sun, in a south-facing window!
How To Grow & Care For Desert Plants
The following is basically a general overview of what desert plants need. Look at the info tables above for more specific information about what each species need.
Sun
Plants that adapted to desert conditions love it hot. These types of desert plants thrive in full sun conditions. Be sure to locate any dessert plants in a sun location that can tolerate 6+ hours of sunlight daily (the more the better).
Soil
The best soil conditions for desert plants is well-drained sandy soil. If you want to include desert plants into your garden space or are struggling with drainage issues, try mixing sandy soil or gravel into your soil.
Water
Give your plants a thorough watering once in a while. Much like a natural desert ecosystem, there are heavy rains, and then drought. Water deeply, and then drought.
Try watering once per month, and then let the plants dry completely before watering again. Overwatering cacti kills them quicker than underwatering them. Remember that!
Hardiness Zones
A major point to consider when creating desert plant gardens is awareness of which plant species can survive in the respective area in which you live.
As we learned, these plants are specialized plants that require specific habitat requirements to flourish!
The key to being successful with your desert landscape is having an understanding of your hardiness zone and the respective hardiness zones each plant can survive in.