Trees and Shrubs

Arizona Sycamore (Platanus wrightii)

The Arizona Sycamore is one of the most iconic trees found in the Gila Cliff Dwellings area. Known for its massive, spreading branches and smooth, mottled bark that peels away to reveal patches of white, cream, and green, the Arizona Sycamore often grows along riverbanks and in canyons where water is plentiful. These trees can grow to impressive heights and form broad canopies, providing shade and a cool refuge for both wildlife and visitors. The large, lobed leaves of the Arizona Sycamore create a lush environment beneath, contrasting beautifully with the rugged cliffs.

 

Narrowleaf Cottonwood (Populus angustifolia)

Narrowleaf Cottonwoods are a common sight along the streams and rivers of the Gila Cliff Dwellings. These trees are characterized by their slender, lance-shaped leaves and tall, upright growth. The leaves flutter in the breeze, creating a soothing rustling sound, and turn a striking yellow in the fall, adding color to the landscape. Narrowleaf Cottonwoods are important for stabilizing riverbanks with their extensive root systems, helping to prevent erosion. These trees also provide vital habitat for various bird species, making them essential to the local ecosystem.

 

Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa)

Ponderosa Pines are dominant in the higher elevations surrounding the Gila Cliff Dwellings. These tall, straight trees can reach heights of over 100 feet and are known for their thick, fire-resistant bark, which has a distinctive reddish hue and a sweet, vanilla-like scent. The long, needle-like leaves of the Ponderosa Pine grow in bundles and form a dense canopy that provides shelter and food for a variety of wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and deer. Ponderosa Pines are a key component of the forested areas near the cliffs, contributing significantly to the area's biodiversity.

 

Gambel Oak (Quercus gambelii)

Gambel Oak, also known as Scrub Oak, is a resilient tree commonly found in the foothills and lower mountain areas near the Gila Cliff Dwellings. These small to medium-sized trees often grow in dense clusters, forming thickets that provide cover and food for wildlife. The deeply lobed leaves of the Gambel Oak turn brilliant shades of orange and red in the fall, making these trees a beautiful sight during the autumn months. The acorns produced by Gambel Oaks are a critical food source for many animals, including birds, squirrels, and deer.

 

Alligator Juniper (Juniperus deppeana)

The Alligator Juniper is named for its distinctive bark, which resembles the rough, cracked skin of an alligator. This tree is well-adapted to the dry, rocky soils of the Gila Cliff Dwellings and can grow up to 50 feet tall. Alligator Junipers have a dense, conical shape with scale-like leaves and produce small, bluish-green berries that are an important food source for birds and other wildlife. The wood of the Alligator Juniper is known for its durability, adding to the tree’s significance in the region.

 

Rocky Mountain Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum)

The Rocky Mountain Juniper is another key tree species found within the Gila Cliff Dwellings. This tree is typically smaller than the Alligator Juniper, with a narrow, columnar form and soft, bluish-green foliage. Rocky Mountain Junipers are particularly well-suited to the cooler, higher elevations of the Gila and are often found in mixed forests alongside Ponderosa Pines. The berries of the Rocky Mountain Juniper are an important food source for wildlife, and the tree's dense foliage provides excellent cover for birds and small mammals.

 

One-seeded Juniper (Juniperus monosperma)

The One-seeded Juniper is a hardy tree that thrives in the arid, rocky landscapes of the Gila Cliff Dwellings. This tree is named for its small, berry-like cones, which typically contain a single seed. One-seeded Junipers are usually smaller than other juniper species, with a rounded or irregular shape and scale-like leaves that are highly drought-resistant. These trees are often found on dry hillsides and ridges, where they provide critical habitat and food for a variety of wildlife, including birds and deer.

 

New Mexico Locust (Robinia neomexicana)

The New Mexico Locust is a small tree or large shrub that adds a burst of color to the Gila Cliff Dwellings with its clusters of bright pink to purple flowers. This tree is commonly found in the understory of forested areas and along streams. The New Mexico Locust has compound leaves with small, oval leaflets and sharp thorns that protect it from browsing animals. In the fall, it produces flat, brown seed pods, contributing to the plant's reproduction and the diversity of the local flora.

 

Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)

Douglas Fir is another prominent tree in the cooler, higher elevations near the Gila Cliff Dwellings. These large, evergreen trees are recognized by their thick, deeply furrowed bark and their soft, flat needles. Douglas Firs can grow to towering heights, forming dense forests that provide habitat for numerous species of birds and mammals. The cones of the Douglas Fir are distinctive, with bracts that resemble the hind legs and tails of mice, adding to the tree's unique charm.

 

Pinyon Pine (Pinus edulis)

Pinyon Pine is a small tree that is well-adapted to the dry, rocky soils of the Gila Cliff Dwellings. This tree is known for its edible pine nuts, which are an important food source for both wildlife and humans. Pinyon Pines have short, stiff needles that grow in pairs, and their compact, rounded form makes them well-suited to the arid environment. The trees are often found on rocky ridges and slopes, where they contribute to the biodiversity of the region and provide habitat for various animals.

 

Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus)

Mountain Mahogany is a resilient shrub or small tree commonly found in the dry, rocky hillsides and woodlands of the Gila Cliff Dwellings. This plant is characterized by its small, leathery leaves and twisted, corkscrew-like seed pods. Mountain Mahogany has a dense, bushy growth habit and is an important browse plant for wildlife such as deer and elk. The wood of Mountain Mahogany is hard and heavy, making it a valuable material for tool handles and other uses.

 

Gray Oak (Quercus grisea)

Gray Oak is a hardy tree that thrives in the dry, rocky soils of the Gila Cliff Dwellings. This tree is characterized by its small, leathery leaves, which are gray-green in color and have smooth, slightly wavy edges. Gray Oaks often grow as small trees or large shrubs and are well-adapted to the arid conditions of the region. The acorns produced by Gray Oaks are an important food source for wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals.