Plants Adapted to the Desert

• Lechuguilla — an indicator plant unique to the Chihuahuan Desert with sharp, rigid leaves

• Ocotillo — tall spiny stalks that sprout leaves only after rainfall

• Prickly pear and other cacti store water in thick, waxy pads to survive drought

• Sotol and yucca thrive in rocky soils with deep root systems

• Desert grasses like tobosa and grama anchor sandy basin floors