
Tag: climate change


A Disappearing Icon
Saguaros Under Threat No feature of the Sonoran Desert is more recognizable than the iconic saguaro cactus, soaring in height above all other species of cactus in Southwest West. Yet, these desert sentinels are under threat, due to a rapidly changing climate that is...
Assessing Suitability of Native Milkweeds
Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) are the sole hostplant for monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus). Monarch caterpillars must consume milkweeds to survive. As monarchs are facing drastic declines, largely tied to loss of plant habitat, the Garden’s pollinator...
Brittlebush | A Desert Survivor
Brittlebush–a widespread and very drought-resistant woody shrub with bright yellow flowers–is one of the most conspicuous desert plants when in bloom from late winter to mid-spring. During really dry, hot years with little soil moisture, their green leaves can appear...