eastern Joshua tree

The eastern Joshua tree (Yucca jaegeriana) is one of two species of treelike yuccas native to the Mojave Desert in the southwestern United States. While some sources consider it a subspecies of the western Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia), many scientists classify it as a distinct species due to genetic and morphological differences.12

These plants typically inhabit open, stony grasslands or shrublands at elevations up to about 2,000 meters (6,561 feet). They are often the most prominent visual feature of the arid landscapes and provide essential food and shelter for various animals, including kangaroo rats and birds like kestrels and wrens. Both species of Joshua trees are facing population declines due to wildfires and are vulnerable to climate change.12