DESERT PLANTS (Part2)

Crassula Umbella (Wine Cup)

Popularly known as the wine cup succulent, Crassula umbella has a large flower-covered stem shooting from its ‘cup’. This succulent is very easy to grow and makes a great starter cactus.

Spiral Grass

Spiral grass isn’t actually a grass at all. This twisted, corkscrew plant comes originally from South Africa, but has made its way into the hearts of many across the world as a staple container plant.

Yucca

A hardy shrub, the yucca is known for its pointed leaves and tall white flower offshoots. The state flower of New Mexico, the yucca can be cut down all the way to its roots and still grow back with ease.

Donkey’s Tail

Also called Burro’s tail, this braid-like sedum is a perfect container succulent which can grow up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) long. Small flower clusters are rare, and propagation is key to help increase its chance of blooming.

Desert Marigold

A short-lived perennial, the desert marigold is one of the most easily recognized desert wildflowers. It can be toxic to livestock and it has been known to cause the mass death of flocks of sheep that feast on it.

Silky Thread Grass

Also known as Mexican feather grass, this flowing ornamental grass grows attractively full. It is the perfect filler plant for a garden bed or planter.

Blue Glow Globe Thistle

Growing small, blue, globe-like blooms, this hardy perennial is not considered a weed, as it is known to attract all kinds of pollinators from hummingbirds to butterflies. It also makes a great addition to bouquets and dried flower arrangements.

Fish Hook Cactus

This small desert-dwelling cactus gets its name from its large spines which look like fish hooks. Growing very small flowers, it makes a great starter cactus, as it is very hardy and drought resistant.

Golf Ball Cactus

Growing on the border between Texas and Mexico, the golf ball cactus gets its name from its distinctive shape. It is covered in white spines, which grow horizontally, and it blooms large white and pink flowers once a year.

Fire Sticks

This succulent is named for the dazzling gradient of colors, from green to orange, along its stem, which gives it a flame-like appearance. It grows a large trunk and must be cut frequently every few years to contain its growth.