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Driving along a section of Highway 164 in southern Nevada I found a forest of Joshua trees.
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Joshua trees, Yucca Brevifolia, are fast growers for the desert. New seedlings may grow at an average rate of 3 inches (7.6 cm) per year in their first 10 years, and then only grow about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) per year thereafter. It can live for hundreds of years.
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The trunk of the tree is made of thousands of small fibers. The flower and fruit are edible and Native Americans used the leaves to weave sandals and baskets. Early Mormon settlers named the Joshua tree because it reminded them of Joshua reaching his arms up in prayer.
To see more beautiful scenes, or to share your own, go to Scenic Sunday by clicking here.
Interesting. I always wondered about those trees. Now is a good time to visit…not too hot!
Interesting place and nice photos. The sky in the second shot is so blue.
Again, I learn. Thanks for your informative Post. I've heard of the Joshua Tree, but never knew why it was called that and where it was.
Les
I learned something new from your Scenic post!
That lone Joshua tree is a beautiful shot. I guess I never paid attention to the downed ones, I didn't realized they were so biberous. I enjoy seeing them in bloom.
I saw these in Arizona for the first time when I visited there. They are amazing.
Lovely! The joshua tree really is an interesting tree. Amazing that they live so long. You always think of the sequoias when you think of trees living that long. Maybe the joshuas need a better PR person.
They say that when birds or insects interact with the tree at key points, new branches will develop.
Love your photos
Hi Gaelyn. great pictures. Joshua Tree National Park is one of our favorite places and these scrappy, adaptable trees are very special to us. Lots of people have told us they really don't understand or "get" the unique beauty. I can see that you do!
Many thanks for sharing.
Well, live and learn…I never knew this, Gaelyn. I'm going to start looking for these trees now – I want to see the bark for myself.
What an interesting tree and not one I am familiar with…
I agree, how interesting! Thank you for sharing it with us!
Great post. I remember the first time I saw a Joshua Tree on my way to California. It is a beautiful tree. Thanks.
Gaelyn: Your photo of the tree are neat. I love the color in your new header.
I like the scenic first photo showing the forest of Joshua trees. Also the close up is interesting, I never saw the inside of one before.
It's such a cool looking tree. I didn't realize they lived that long!
Hey, very interesting. I didn't know the Joshua Tree was in the Yucca family. Never would have thought it. good shots. MB
Love those Joshua Trees. Loved growing up in SoCal where we could visit Joshua Tree National Park (it was a monument back then). Of course, I find the rocks wonderful too! Nice post
Gosh you are one heck of a traveler. I love the energy and sense of adventure. I hope to see and read more of you.
We have so many indigenous trees here in South Africa, all with their own stories. It is always interesting to learn more about the plants in other countries. In this case I have heard the name before, but didn't know anything about the tree.
Another 'want to drive through my screen' image… I never knew the story of how Joshua trees were named.
I loved these compositions! Great subjects and great shots!
– Pixellicious Photos
Good info about the Joshua Tree Gaelyn. Do you know if there are any birds and/or wildlife that depend on those trees for food or living space?
I came to really enjoy the Joshua Trees this summer. They really are beautiful plants!
Thanks for the trip through the Joshua trees. I remember this journey as a child and your post has solidified my intent to go back and see the desert again soon!
Lovely post. I remember the first time I saw a Joshua Tree. My immediate thoughts were of U2 before snapping out of it. They are so beautiful in an unearthly sort of way. Beautiful and informative, Gaelyn, as always!