Sonoran Desert Plants

The Sonoran Desert is unique in that it receives more rain than any other desert in the world. The mountain regions receive up to twenty five inches of moisture per year whereas the lower desert areas benefit from receiving ten to twelve inches.

The abundance of moisture is the key which allows nearly five hundred species of plants to thrive in various parts of its range.

Below is a list of horticulture specimens listed by plant family found in this desert.

Note: In all cases the second word refers to the plants family.

Sonoran Desert Plants

• Agavaceae – Agave.
• Anacardiadaceae – Sumac.
• Araceae – Palm.
• Betulaceae – Birch.
• Cactaceae – Chollas.
• Cactaceae – Giant Columnar.
• Cactaceae – Prickly Pears.
• Cactaceae – Single
• Cactaceae - Stem and Clumping.
• Caprifoliaceae – Honeysuckle.
• Convolvulaceae – Morning Glory.
• Crassulaceae – Stonecrop.
• Fouquieraceae – Ocotillo.
• Liliaceae – Lily.
• Malvaceae – Mallow.
• Nyctaginaceae – Four O’clock.
• Papaveraceae – Poppy.
• Rosaceae – Rose.
• Salicaceae – Willow.
• Ulmaceae – Elm.
• Verbenaceae – Verbena.

Within the boundaries of this desert are two parks that you must take time to visit.

With over 16,000 acres South Mountain Park/Preserve is considered the largest municipal park in the United States. Barrel and Cholla cactus are at home in this park and are especially attractive when flowering.

The second one is Saguaro National Park which is the home of the giant Saguaro cactus. For many of us this plant is the icon of the American west.