It is hard to believe, but Joshua trees are yuccas. The common name is often said to derive from a group of
Mormon settlers, one of whom felt that the tree's upward-pointing branches reminded him of a
biblical story about Joshua, arms upraised in prayer. However, this story has not been corroborated.
These trees are natives of the southwestern
United States.
Plants: Joshua trees are found alone or in groves
on desert plains, slopes and mesas in the Mojave Desert, or
Queen Valley and Lost Horse Valley in
Joshua Tree National Park. They are found at
elevations of 2000-6000′ (609-1828 m). Trees are 15-40′ (4.6-12 m) high, and 1-3′ (30-91 cm)
around.
Leaves: Linear, bayonet-shaped, 6-14″ (15-35 cm) long
× ¼-½″ (7-15 mm) wide at the base. Leaf edges are serrate, and taper to sharp points.
Flowers: Bell-shaped, cream-colored blossoms are 1¼-1½″ (3.2-3.8 cm) around. They occur in
dense clusters up to 1½′ (45 cm) long.
Fruits: Fruits are light brown to reddish capsules, 2½-5″ (6.3-12 cm) ×
2″ (5 cm), with six cells.
See the Yucca page for a comparison with other yuccas.
Photo by Takwish, taken in the Mojave Desert near Kramer Junction, CA, 3/11/2008.