Desert native plants use virtually no water, thrive in hot, dry climates, and often need little upkeep. Many do well in alkaline soils, making them perfect for desert-region gardens.
Desert scrub and desert woodland
Tips for desert gardening
Site in areas of low rainfall, desert plants generally do best in more sandy to sandy loam soils.
Consider sloping site drainage so that rain that does fall reaches your plants.
Mulch with rocks, decomposed granite, and inorganic materials.
Keystone species for desert
Desert health depends on the presence of certain “keystone” plant and animal species. Using these native plants strengthens the ecosystem, as does providing the habitat needed by these birds and other animals.
Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia) (in some desert areas) flowers are visited by many species of birds and insects, but their primary and most efficient pollinator is a moth; each species of yucca has its own species of moth pollinator.
Rubber rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa) is a golden-flowered shrub supports 25 caterpillar species and 45 pollen-specialist bee species
Big sagebrush (Artemesia tridentata) is a key plant in sagebrush habitat, home to a diverse range of wildlife, including iconic species such as pronghorn, mule deer, and sage grouse.
Learn more about desert
California Creosote Bush Scrub Plant Community [Las Pilitas]
Joshua Tree Woodland. [Las Pilitas]
