J: Joshua trees

Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) might be the most familiar and iconic plant species within the Mojave Desert. These plants are part of the agave family (Agavaceae) and are not trees, all though they can grow up to 30 feet tall. From March to May, you’ll see brilliant creamy white flowers on display that attract yucca moths. Once pollinated, the flowers turn into green seed pods. The plants are named as such because Mormon settlers thought their shapes looked like the prophet Joshua praying and pointing to the sky. These plants provide shelter for a wide variety of lizards and birds.

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