Saguaro cactus: This iconic desert plant is a slow-growing columnar cactus that can reach heights of over 40 feet. Its green stems are covered in spines and it produces large, white flowers in the spring. The saguaro cactus is an important food source for many desert animals, including birds, reptiles, and mammals.
Prickly pear cactus: This low-growing cactus is also covered in spines, but it is smaller than the saguaro cactus. Its fruit are eaten by humans and animals alike. The prickly pear cactus is also a host plant for the cochineal insect, which produces a red dye.
Desert willow: This small tree grows along washes and in canyons. It has gray-green leaves and produces small, yellow flowers in the spring. The desert willow is an important source of nectar for bees and other insects.
Creosote bush: This small, evergreen shrub is one of the most common plants in the Sonoran Desert. Its leaves are covered in a sticky resin that protects the plant from the harsh sun and wind. The creosote bush provides food and shelter for a variety of animals, including birds, reptiles, and mammals.