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There are many species of cacti that grow in the desert. The Barrel Cactus can be distinguished by its round or cylindrical shape. For protection, they have extremely heavy spines everywhere, except for the top. Flowers bloom at the top of the Barrel Cactus and while they have no spine, they are not considered edible.
The Prickly Pear Cactus is distinguished by its flat pads that resemble large leaves. These fleshy pads are where the cacti store water and help with flower production. The fruits of the Prickly Pear Cactus are edible.
The Saguaro Cactus is the most distinctive form of cactus and is common in southwestern deserts. Branches or arms are often extended upward from a thick and tall stem that resembles a column. The skin of the cactus is waxy and smooth, but it is covered with spines that are in clusters on the ribs of the plant. - These colossal trees define the landscape of southwest deserts. Typically found at the top of plains or mesas, these trees are considered the classic western tree. Distinguishable by its half-dead, half-alive look, leaves that are scale-like and reddish wood, juniper trees are home to many rodents and animals of the desert. Because of their lateral roots system, the massive trees are able to obtain moisture from places where no moisture seems to exist.
- While wildflowers do grow and bloom in the desert, their lifespan is typically a lot shorter than plants that grow in other regions. In fact, some plants will go through their entire lifespan in as little as two weeks. Wildflowers like dogbane and datura are considered poisonous and should not be consumed. The dogbane has thin stems that are reddish in color. When the stem is broken open, a milky substance appears. The leaves are shaped like an egg and tiny clusters of white flowers grow at the top of the stems. The datura can be distinguished by its white large flowers that are trumpet shaped. The gray-green leaves are long, oval shaped and covered with smooth tiny hairs.
