The Imperial Valley is a desert climate region in Southern California. The climate is hot and dry, with temperatures reaching 109 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. Average annual rainfall is around 2.92 inches, making it very difficult for any animal or plants to survive the region. Despite this, there are a few resilient plants that call the region home.
This plant covers 40 miles of the Imperial Valley Desert Algodones Dunes. It is listed as endangered by the State of California, and is one of the few plants that can survive the valley's conditions. It is generally yellow in color with a small stem. Part of the Creosote Bush Scrub family, the flower blooms from March to May and October to January. The plant takes advantage of the abundance of sun, using photosynthesis to generate food and survive despite the minimal rainfall in the region.
Wiggins' croton is native to the Imperial Valley Desert and considered a rare plant. It is part of the Euphorbiaceae family and grows like a perennial shrub. It has a green stem with fuzzy buds and is short in stature, making it suited to resisting harsh desert winds. The plant grows in patches sparsely around the desert because of the minimal annual rainfall but is usually found on the sand dunes. It can also be found in other parts of the state.
The Imperial Valley Desert is home to the Pierson's Milk-Vetch. The silvery perennial plant has a short lifespan. It is a member of the bean and pea family, growing 2.5 feet tall. Known for its small purple flowers, it generally blooms from March to April, with 10 to 17 flowers per stock. Pierson's Milk-Vetch also produces small fruits, which are yellow-green pea pods. The plant is known for being found on the Algodones Dunes, but it's also found in other parts of California and Mexico.
