Wildflowers and Plantlife in Joshua Tree National Park

The Cahuilla Native Americans who have lived in the southwestern United States for generations still consider the Joshua Tree a valuable resource and call it "hunuvat chiy'a" or "humwichawa". Their ancestors used the leaves to weave sandals and baskets, and also harvested the seeds and flower buds for food.

Ranchers in the mid-19th century used the trunks and branches as fencing and for fuel for ore-processing steam engines. But for most people, the Joshua Tree is best known as the eponymous representative for it's namesake National Park. The plant grows only in certain elevations and conditions, with a large concentration in areas of the Mojave Desert. Learn more about the majestic Joshua Tree here.

However, all is not well in the paradise national park that is the Joshua Tree namesake. Global warming has played an active role in the declining health of the Yucca brevifolia population. Read more about how the role of an extinct mammal, climate change, and other factors relate, in an NPR story entitled "Outlook Bleak for Joshua Trees".

Without water, there can be no life. And though water is, by nature, sparse in a desert, there are several oasis' where plantlife is lush and animals thrive. Barker Dam is one such area.

Note: ALL water in the park is reserved for wildlife; that is - plants and animals. Not OUR wildlife! No swimming. No bathing. Soaps and chemicals, such as are in sunscreen, pollute the water and are harmful to the delicate ecosystem.

The Barker Dam area is a nice place to hike if you're on your very first visit to the park, or your time is limited. Check out the Wildflower Viewing page on the offical JTNP website to get an idea what you might find.

Here's a link that will detail a walking tour of the Barker Dam area. Be sure to go exploring as you will find remnants of the area's native human life. There are petroglyphs on a beautiful rock formation that, to me, must have been some type of ceremonial staging area. Who knows, perhaps the natives had theatre!

Similar in appearance to the (very)casual observer is the Yucca. The Yucca is smaller that the Joshua Tree, and has (very) sharp, bayonet-like leaves.

Native Americans used the fibers of the leaves to make rope, sandals, and cloth. The flowers and fruit could also be eaten and the black seeds were ground into a flour. Visiting the park, one can come across grinding pits, used for this purpose, carved into low stones. The Barker Dam area is one such place, but there are more in other locations. It's good to get off the beaten path and see the wonders that are available for the more discerning person....

Dusk is an incredible time in the desert, as light fades and shadows come out to play. Temperatures drop dramatically, so be prepared for the change.

These tiny flowers are sometimes called "Belly Flowers" by the locals. Why? Because one must get on their belly to get a good look!

They are very near to the ground, growing less than two inches in height. Amazingly substantial, for such diminutive plants!

Variety is the spice of life! This area is in the North Central part of the park, on a hike toward Queen Mountain.

This is another marvelous day trip(or multiday, as it is in the backcountry). If you think you might be interested, check out this hiking guide to Queen Mountain.

December 2009 marks my ninth trip to Joshua Tree since winter of 2004. I've had many wonderful adventures, met lots of excellent people and taken many beautiful photographs.

For more on my Jtree experiences, check out these posts on my blog, Happiegrrrl Climbing

- Break In! - A happy-ending story involving the Park Rangers, when I left my car keys in the trunk of my fully locked-down car.
- Turtle Crossing - Photo essay accompanied by story as a desert tortoise crosses the road between Cima and Kelso
- Time for a Trip - Trip report from autumn 2007
- The South Side of Joshua Tree - Fall 2007 visit to the southern section of the park
- Joshua Tree, March 2006 - Trip Report Spring 2006
- Joshua Tree, March 2006 Part II - Trip Report March 2006, continued
- Joshua Tree December 2005 Trip - Trip Report
- Jtree April 2005 - Trip Report