NPS photo

Palo Verde

Many people are surprised at the number of plant species at Tonto National Monument, especially trees and shrubs. This is due in part to two rainy seasons. We get an average of 16" of rain annually, with approximately half of it falling during the summer months. This is, of course, just when the trees are able to make use of it. The winter rains are responsible for our spring wildflowers (or lack thereof!)

Many of the trees and shrubs were used by native people for food, medicine, building materials, clothing, etc. The following is not a complete list of plants found here, but includes the more common trees and shrubs. Click on the links for more information about them.

Palo verde
Mesquite
Desert Willow
Catclaw
Elderberry
Arizona Walnut
Arizona Dewberry
Netleaf Hackberry
Wolfberry
Brittlebush
Jojoba
Oreganillo
Mormon Tea
Ocotillo
Creosote
Desert Tobacco