Joshua Tree National Park offers visitors an adventure that could include rock climbing, exploring desert landscapes, star-gazing and cooling off near a natural spring, but nature lovers and plant enthusiasts may look forward to seeing the many plants that live in the park. While the park has more than 800 different species of plants, these five interesting plants found in Joshua Tree National Park are worth seeking out.
1. Teddy Bear Cholla Cactus
While it is not very cuddly, the teddy bear cholla catcus looks soft and fuzzy due to hard spines that cover the cactus body. Stems drop from the cactus easily, so many clones of the plant cluster together for convenient viewing.
2. Desert Fan
The desert fan looks like an ordinary palm tree, but it is the only palm native to California and is located in some of the most beautiful, idyllic areas in the park. The desert fan grows organically in the park’s oases, and these oases are areas where water naturally occurs year round and are full of wildlife.
3. Triple-Ribbed Milkvetch
A triple-ribbed milkvetch sighting is special because this species of milkvetch is rare, unique to California and an endangered species. Few of these plants exist, but they live near rocky expanses and Joshua trees. The common name comes from the legume pods the plant produces that has three ribs.
4. Sacred Datura
The sacred datura is literally intoxicating because this poisonous perennial can be used as a hallucinogen when ingested, but this dangerous plant has sweet-smelling flowers and a unique look. The seeds hang in spiny capsules, and the flower has a twisted appearance when closed. When open, five symmetrical points are visible along the flower’s rim.
5. Coyote Melon
Fruit from coyote melons might look similar to tasty melons because they are typically dark green or bright yellow and could have white stripes. However, this uncommon plant favors arid climates with little water and produces distasteful melons. The sprawling vines and yellow flowers resemble common squash plants. But, this type of gourd plant is native to parts of California, Arizona and Mexico.
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