Arizona Native Plants to Be Familiar With
Jul 12th 2023
Arizona is a huge state and home to some of the most memorable and iconic plants in the Sonoran Desert. From saguaro cacti to blue palo verde trees, these native plants are protected by law, and it is important to know what they look like when hiking. This blog will look closely at some of Arizona’s native plant species.
Defining Native Plants - What They Are and Why They're Beneficial
When you hear the term “native plants,” it more than likely means plants that occur or grow naturally in a particular region or habitat without much human intervention; in this circumstance, Arizona native plants are primarily grown in or around the southwestern region and desert-like landscape. Native plants provide valuable habitats for birds, insects, mammals, and other wildlife.
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Popular Arizona Cacti Types - Saguaro, Barrel, Prickly Pear
Cacti in the desert aren’t anything new, but the ones in Arizona are some you can’t miss. The saguaro cacti is one of the easiest to identify because of its massive size. This type of Arizona cacti grows up to 50 feet tall and blooms from late April to June. Bats are what primarily pollinate these plants.
The barrel cactus is something you’d see at your feet on a desert hike. This is known for its round shape and thorny exterior. It can sometimes be covered in yellow flowers growing up to four feet tall. Also another unique Arizona cactus is the prickly pear cactus. It grows low to the ground with flat pads and can be identified with pink or yellow flower blossoms.
Desert Flowers that Bloom Beautifully - Ocotillo, Desert Marigold, etc.
It’s hard to believe that flowers can bloom in the desert, considering the lack of water, but Arizona’s Sonoran Desert is home to a number of beautiful desert flowers. The ocotillo is a tall shrub with bright red flowers that blooms in early spring and summer. Also, the desert marigold is very common with its sunny yellow color. There are other flowers to remember next time you’re in the Sonoran Desert, including four o’clock flowers, desert poppies, and the anemone. So when you see one, make sure to snap a picture!
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Trees Found in Arid Areas - Palo Verde, Acacia, Cottonwood
Even trees are in the Sonoran desert! The palo verde tree is a common one you can see and stands out from the rest due to its yellow-green-colored bark. The acacia tree grows in Arizona’s region as well. It has long, thin branches filled with yellow flowers and small round leaves. A thicker tree you may see on your hike is the cottonwood tree. It has a giant, stout trunk with white tufts of seeds that come out in the spring.
Accessorizing Arizona Native Plants within Your Southwestern Home
Think about bringing the outdoors in with Some of these plants are great to accessorize your southwestern-styled home with. Check out cactus-shaped pillows or wall art to match these natural native plants within your décor. It’s a great way to bring some desert charm into any living space.
Regardless of how you choose to incorporate these plants within your home, it’s important to remember that they are a key part of Arizona’s ecosystem and should be respected. Many of these plants are protected by law, so research which ones should be left alone. Digging them up or damaging them can disrupt their peaceful environment and lead to long-term damage. By taking a few moments to admire these beautiful plants from afar, you can help ensure that future generations can appreciate Arizona’s wild beauty for years to come.
Conclusion
In this blog, we discussed Arizona’s many different plant species, including the saguaro cacti, the desert marigolds, the cottonwood trees, and more. The Sonoran Desert has many plants and greenery you would be surprised to know about. Next time you’re hiking, look out for some of the plants mentioned. Also, if you live in a southwestern-style home, check out Lone Star Western Décor’s selection of southwestern décor. You can transform any space to look like a rustic, southwestern oasis!