It is very cool to live in the desert southwest and be introduced to many various xerophytes. These are plants that conserve water and are adapted to arid conditions, they include agaves, yuccas, and cacti. These plants are very different as yuccas and agaves have long fibrous leaves while the cactus generally have sharp leaves that rigid spines come out of. Most cacti also have ribs of tissue that allow the stem to swell, which stores water. These plants will flower at certain times of year, the flowers are generally large and vibrant in color. Types of cacti include prickly pear, cholla, barrel, and saguaro, there are many different species of each of these.

Teddybear Cholla can be found in sandy or rocky areas, on slopes or hillsides in low elevation areas. They are densely covered with spines, they have yellow or pink blooms from February to May.

Claret cups cactus are found in rocky slopes, canyons, mixed shrub, and pinyon-juniper forests. The flowers are red to orange and they bloom from April to July.

Giant Saguaro’s are found on hills, slopes, or plains. They care massive, up to 40 feet tall. They reside in Arizona and the Sonoran desert in Mexico. They bloom white flowers in May and June. They are the Arizona state flower.