Tag Archives: Nevada

Yucca schidigera

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Yucca schidigera

Tall and very old Yucca schidigera in Arizona (and Hezzy the Wonder Dog), by Nancy Hussy

Yucca schidigera is often called Mohave yucca because it is mostly found in the Mojave desert. It is commonly found in California, southern Nevada, and adjacent parts of Arizona. Additionally, it occurs in south western Utah and Baja California.

Y. schidigera typically has a single stem; often the plant is less than 1 m tall, but plants of 2 m are easily found, and taller plants may have a branch or two. The taller plants seem more likely to branch. Y. schidigera is a slow growing plant, and 1 m plants are estimated to be over 100 years old.

In dry climates, Y. schidigera can easily tolerate zero degrees F.

Posted by: Joe Shaw shawjoej@gmail.com

Cold-hardy plants: Opuntia curvospina

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Opuntia curospina, photo by Nancy H in Arizona

Opuntia curovspina is a handsome plant that distantly resembles O. chlorotica (even with spines on the central trunk); it is found in northwestern Arizona and adjacent Nevada and California. The plants are generally 2-foot-tall and make a handsome, symmetrical shrub. But, they may also sprawl a bit and be shorter or a bit taller. Exceptionally old specimens may reach 5-foot-tall.

O. curvospina is sometimes described as O. x curvispina, a proposed hybrid species arising from O. chlorotica and O. phaecantha. A hybrid origin may be possible, but the species is as constant and easily identified as any other large Opuntia. It is clearly not a product of recent hybridization: if recently derived, more variability and patchier distribution would be expected.

Given the location where it naturally occurs, O. curvospina probably tolerates cold to zero F, and may resent too much moisture.

Opuntia curvospina, north of Kingman, AZ

Posted by: Joe Shaw shawjoej@gmail.com

Cold-hardy Plants: Opuntia gilvescens

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opuntia gilvescens

Opuntia gilvescens

 Opuntia gilvescens is apparently, almost always misidentified as O. phaecantha, as are so many small- to medium-sized Opuntia. But, O. gilvescens is distinctive in appearance; its pads are generally circular and not elongated. I’ve found it at 4,000 to 5,000 feet in central Arizona (near Bagdad), at 5,000 feet just west of Las Vegas, Nevada (Mt. Potosi). I’ve also found it at low elevations.

The first time I encountered O. gilvescens was in south-central Oklahoma, along Interstate 35 near Ardmore, OK. The plants were growing in rocky outcrops adjacent to the highway with O. orbiculata and Echinocereus reichenbachii. I took photos and was able to identify O. gilvescens with help from a “cactus” friend. You can find out more about O gilvescens here.

Opuntia gilvescens

Opuntia gilvescens near Ardmore, Oklahoma

Posted by: Joe Shaw shawjoej@gmail.com

Cylindropuntia multigeniculata (again)

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 Cylindropuntia multigeniculata has been variously described as a stable species, a hybrid between C. whipplei and C. echinocarpa, or even as a variety of C. whipplei. I’ve only seen it once in habitat, in northern Arizona near Meadview. The plants were scattered around a hillside. It is hard to estimate how many plants there were, but I’d guess 50-100. Most were wider than tall; all seemed under 24 inches.

The plants are considered rare, or at least hard to find. In Nevada the plant is considered critically endangered, and Arizona probably has a similar designation. You can find more information about C. multigeniculata in another Oblog post and at Opuntiads.com.

Cylindropuntia multigeniculata

Cylindropuntia multigeniculata with Hezzy (a wonderful dog)

Posted by: Joe Shaw shawjoej@gmail.com