Blooming Joshuas~

May15

This is the first time I have ever seen Joshua Trees in bloom!

These trees were recently designated an endangered species by The California Fish & Game Commission.

They are vulnerable because they exist in a limited area in The Southwestern US and Baja California. Their range is mostly contained by the boundaries of the Mojave Desert. This habitat is under pressure from development and climate change.

Joshua Trees are pollinated by Yucca Moths. Desert habitat is sensitive and species are interdependent.

Interestingly, in the distant past, Joshua’s were pollinated by Giant Sloths!

Humans have lived in The Mojave Desert for about 12,000 years.

Pictographs, cryptic messages from the past, can be found throughout this region.

Cheers to you from the fascinating Mojave~

201 thoughts on “Blooming Joshuas~”

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  5. Pingback: Blooming Joshuas~ — – Echoes in the Mist

    • I am so pleased you find the desert fascinating Derrick and thank you. The desert has been a source of continuous fascination to me since I was a child. There were many more creatures living in the desert back then which is sad დ

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  8. Believe it or not Cindy, I’ve seen this blooming tree for the first time either. The difference is, you could see it in real life and I’ve seen it thanks to you on your lovely picture. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

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  11. The bloom looks very complex in arrangement. Considering the whole tree and the shape of the bloom, I think they both looking very nice. I hope they continue to thrive well. Is there anyone trying to use the plant in any shape or form? I think that can be a potential threat.

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    • They are complex, ancient trees, but are fragile. They are killed and cleared in certain areas for development. I hope that the current protections stop this and that the continued drought in the southwest doesn’t stress them past the point of return დ

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  12. I have never even seen a Joshua Tree and now I get to see one in bloom through your lens! 🙂 I didn’t know that they are designated an endangered species now. 😦

    ❤️carmen

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  17. I find Joshua Trees impressive, Cindy. Anything that can thrive in a desert impresses me. The photos add a touch of beauty. Peggy and I are in Flagstaff now and will be going on a petroglyph Hunt tomorrow.

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  21. This is also (through your gorgeous photos), the first time I’ve seen Joshua Trees in bloom, thank you for my first! It’s thought-provoking to imagine that our humans who lived 12,000 years ago saw the same type of blooms you’ve shown us. One can’t help but wonder what their cryptic messages were trying to convey to us. What wisdom we’ve lost. But like Bertrand Russell has said, “The world is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.”

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    • Yes, it is amazing and wonderful to think of the people from the distant past. The Holler has a group of metates from thousands of years ago. Incredible. I love Bertrand Russell and his perfectly wonderful quote! Thank you for sharing this and for your thoughtful comments დ

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  30. What a joy to behold here, Cindy. I love Joshua trees and how wonderfully crazy to see their blooms! I can’t imagine I will ever see this in person, so the photos were a real treat. Also interesting to hear they were once pollinated by the sloths, and to see the petroglyph drawings as well.

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  32. Didn’t know they bloomed. My parents had another species (very different) in front of their house with very similar flowers. One day a lady rang the door and asked if she could take the flowers. It seems it’s a delicacy in Mexico. Forgot the name of the plant.
    Wonderful pictures. Thanks Cindy.

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