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To many people, the word "desert" invokes images of a sun-baked, sand and rock-strewn landscape, where only cacti will grow. While it is true that cacti can be found in all of the world's deserts, cacti can also be found in almost all of the lower 48 states. Cacti have evolved from plants that originally grew in more moist environments and exhibit a wide variety of adaptations that have allowed them to exist in the face of changing environmental conditions. 
Penny Wagner Visitors to the monuments in the Verde Valley will see an assemblage of cacti including species of prickly pear, cholla, and hedgehog cacti. Cacti produce flowers based in part on the ambient ground temperature. Ground-hugging species such as hedgehog and prickly pear flower much earlier than the stately saguaro. Cacti are opportunistic plants when it comes to capturing rainfall. Most have shallow taproots, but very well-developed lateral root systems near the surface of the ground that can take advantage of any rain that falls. This can be a disadvantage at times to large cacti, such as the saguaro, in that they can tip over if they engorge with enough water. Cacti not only are efficient at capturing moisture, but have also developed mechanisms to deter any loss of moisture. The prickly pear grows pads at angles that reduce direct exposure to the sun. Spines provide limited shade and reduce the dessicating effects of the wind. Spines also deter animals from utilizing the moisture contained within the cactus. Hedgehog cacti will often be found sheltered at the base of mesquite trees where shade and wind protection is available. 
NPS Photo / Lauren Reid Engelmann's Prickly Pear (Opuntia engelmannii)In the Southwest, the prickly pear cactus has a long history of use by the native inhabitants, from prehistoric times up to the present day. In the spring, the young pads, called "nopalitos", are harvested and eaten before the spines harden. In the late summer, the fruits, called "tunas", are collected and used as picked or serve as the main ingredient in jellies. Prickly pear fruit remains a popular local flavor today. Although it may not look like it, the fruits are covered in tiny spines that are difficult to remove from unsuspecting hands. Prickly pear pads have been used medicinally in the treatment of cuts and burns, since they contain a mucilgenous substance similar to the mucopolysaccharide hydrogel found between the cells of the body. The polysaccharides help strengthen the hydrogel after it has been damaged. 
Photo by Sue Carnahan Hedgehog Cactus (Echinocereus spp.)You don't have to know Latin to guess the meaning of this plant's scientific name: echino means spiny. In spite of its many thorns, numerous species of animals enjoy different parts of this cactus. It's pink, red, or magenta flowers are a favorite of local hummingbirds. The fruits taste similar to strawberries and are eaten by birds, rodents, and people. It is a low growing succulent native to the southwestern United States.
Photo by Max Lichter Desert Christmas Cactus (Cylindropuntia leptocaulis)Around December, the cranberry-sized fruit of this cactus turns a festive bright red. The fruits are crushed and made into jam or mixed into a beverage with an intoxicating effect. Like other cacti, the fruits are covered in tiny spines that are difficult to remove from your skin. In summer, a burst of flowers appears in soft hues of yellow, bronze, and green.
NPS Photo / Rachel Wilkin Banana Yucca (Yucca baccata)Banana yucca (pronounced "YUCK-a") is one of two yucca species seen at Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Well. It gets its name from the banana-shaped fruits it produces in the summer. While other yucca species may have flexible, smaller leaves, the leaves of the banana yucca are stiff and sharp. Yuccas were used for a variety of things by the Sinagua and other tribes. The roots contain saponin, a compound that can be used to make soap. Yucca fibers were used to make rope, thread, and sandals. The shape of the yucca also allows the plant to hold onto organic material and help prevent erosion. They also provide microhabitats for small animals like lizards, rodents, and insects.
Photo by Aaron RK via Creative Commons 0 Century Plant (Agave spp.)Agaves or century plants are among the most famous of Sonoran Desert plants. These slow-growing succulents are related to yuccas but only flower once before dying. They are called century plants because of how long they live, but most species flower after 10-30 years. Once the plant has stored enough energy, a thick stem that resembles a giant asparagus called a panicle sprouts from the center of the plant. This stem can grow to be 20 feet tall and sports clusters of feathery, yellow flowers at the top. The flowers are pollinated by bats, moths and other insects, and birds. Agaves die after flowering because the plant uses all of its stored energy to produce this impressive stalk.Agaves have been an important part of many southwestern Native American cultures such as the Sinagua and Hohokam for a very long time. Like yuccas, agave fibers from the leaves were used to make thread, rope, and sandals. The stalks, leaves, and flowers were prepared and eaten. Agave hearts were prepared by roasting them in pits and have a sweet flavor. Four species of agave are found at Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Well although they are much more common in other parts of the Verde Valley. They are also popular in desert landscaping. Select a Park:Select a Species Category (optional):
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Last updated: October 2, 2025