PLANTS OF

PUEBLO GRANDE

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Plants of Pueblo Grande is intended to be an identification guide for the native and exotic plants in the landscape of the Pueblo Grande Museum. Along with the color pictures and line drawings of each plant a short description of the plant and its uses have been included. Each plant profile begins with the common names, scientific name and a listing of the plant size, elevation ranges and flower color. While the food and medicinal uses of some plants are listed this is included for informational use only. Also, the collection of plants in Arizona is strongly regulated by the Native Plant Law. Plant information, drawings and photographs by Dave Morris, PGM Museum Aide. Published at PGM 2006.

References Foster, Nelson and Linda S. Cordell, eds. Chilies to Chocolate: Food the Americas gave the World. Tucson: The University of Arizona Press, 1992. Nabhan, Gary Paul. Gathering the Desert. Tucson: The University of Arizona Press, 1985. Rea, Amadeo M. At the River’s Green Edge: An Ethnobotany of the Gila River Pima. Tucson: The University of Arizona Press, 1997. Epple, Anne O. Plants of Arizona. Helena, Montana: Falcon Press Publishing, 1995.

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Wolfberry Lycium Andersonii Squawberry Tomatillo Shrub to 9’ Below 2000’ Lavender flowers This grayish green shrub is spiny with tubular lavender flowers giving way to a bright red fruit. During many parts of the year this plant looks dead due to its drought deciduous nature (dropping leaves in response to drought). The berries were harvested by the native people and could be dried to preserve them or used fresh to make a pudding or beverage. The berries are available in the late spring. There were no recorded medicinal uses found this plant.

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~ Plant Index ~

Cactus and Cactus-like plants Barrel Cactus …………………………………. 04 Century Plant ………………………………….. 09 Cholla …………………………………………. 10 Joshua Tree …………………………………… 22 Murphy’s Agave ………………………………. 03 Prickly Pear …………………………………… 29 Saguaro ……………………………………….. 30 Soap Tree Yucca ……………………………… 33 Sotol …………………………………………... 34

Wildflowers

Desert Marigold ………………………………. 12 Desert Sunflower ……………………………... 13 Desert Tobacco ……………………………….. 14 Penstemon …………………………………….. 28

Shrubs

Brittlebush …………………………….………. 06 Bursage ……………………………………….. 07 Creosote ………………………………………. 11 Fairy Duster …………………………………... 17 Firecracker Plant ……………………………… 23 Graythorn ……………………………….…….. 18 Hummingbird Bush …………………………... 19 Jojoba …………………………………….…… 21 Mexican Petunia ………………………….…… 26 Ocotillo …………………………………….…. 27 Senna …………………………………….……. 32 Wolfberry ……………………………….…….. 37

Trees

Blue Palo Verde ………………………….…… 05 Catclaw Acacia …………………………….…. 08 Desert Willow ………………………………… 15 Eucalyptus …………………………………….. 16 Ironwood ……………………………………… 20 Mexican Palo Verde ……………………….….. 25 Screwbean Mesquite ……………………….…. 31 Sweet Acacia ……………………………….… 35 Velvet Mesquite ………………………….…… 36 Yellow Palo Verde ……………………….…… 24

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Hohokam Agave Agave murpheyi Leaves to 2’ / flower stalk to 18’ 3000’ to 6000’ White flowers Murphy’s agave, sometimes called the Hohokam Agave were probably “ranched” prehistorically. Brought in from higher elevations and planted around the edges of the farm fields. Agaves are one of the main sources of fiber for rope, sandals and baskets. Saponins in the leaf and root system make this plant a good soap substitute.

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Velvet Mesquite Prosopis velutina Small tree to 30’ Below 5000’ Yellow flowers This native mesquite is found most often along the desert washes, flood plains, and riparian areas. It is a legume (bean family) famous for its deep root system. Some mesquites have roots going down 65’ or more. Often referred to as the “tree of life” the bean pods were ground into a flour for food. Native people extracted a black dye from the bark which was used in pottery decorating.

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Sweet Acacia Acacia farinesiana Small tree to 25’ Below 5000’ Orange flowers This showy acacia has bright orange puffball flowers that are very aromatic. These trees are native to South America where the European explorers found them and took specimens back to Europe. The aromatic properties of the plant were utilized in the European perfume market. A tea made from the leaves or bark has germ killing properties. The seed pods of this legume can be ground into flour.

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Barrel cactus Ferocactus wislizenii Compass barrel Fishhook barrel To 8’ / 2’ diameter 1000’ to 4500’ Orange or yellow flowers Barrel cacti are not the emergency water source of the western movies. The moisture in most cacti is alkaline and contains malic acid which causes diarrhea. The cactus often tilts toward the south as it gathers the solar radiation it needs for flowering and due to the growth retardation on the sunny side of the plant. The cactus can be eaten if cooked.

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Blue Palo Verde Ceridium floridum Tree to 30’ 500’ to 4000’ yellow flowers C. floridum is one of the three trees known as palo verde (green stick). Blue palo verdes are found along desert washes, flood plains and in desert grasslands. This species has a darker, larger leaf than the other palo verdes and blooms in the spring with a yellow pea like flower. The seeds were gathered by the native people and used for food and to make gourd rattles. This native species can live to be 300 years old.

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Desert Spoon Dasylirion wheeleri Sotol Plant to 3’ / flower stalk to 10’ 2000’ to 5000’ Cream colored flowers This member of the agave family is used extensively for southwestern Native American baskets. The Sotol is one of the yuccas that has barbs along the leaf edge. Pioneers discovered that the base of the leaf was hard and resembled (and used as) a spoon. Yuccas unlike agaves can bloom year after year if the conditions are right.

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Soaptree Yucca Yucca elata Palmilla Plant body to 8’ with flower stalk to 30’ 1500’ to 6000’ White flowers A member of the Agave family, this yucca is sometimes mistaken for a young Joshua tree. The leaves of this yucca are longer than those of the Joshua. As with many yuccas the leaves were used for basket making. The flowers and buds were used for food. True to its name the roots contain saponins (emulsifiers) which when boiled provide a useful soap substitute.

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Brittlebush Encelia farinosa Incienso

Shrub to 4’ Below 3000’ Yellow flowers

The yellow daisy flower of this grey-green leaved plant is characteristic of many plants in the sunflower family. The leaves can be boiled to make a tea that was used for toothache. The resin or sap from the plant was gathered and used as incense by the Spanish priests. It was also used as a glue, to mend broken pots or to seal baskets to make them waterproof.

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Little Bursage Ambrosia deltoidea Triangle bursage Shrub to 2’ 1000’ to 3000’ inconspicuous green flowers This gray-green leaved perennial shrub is the most common ground cover of the desert. It is often a “nurse” plant for smaller cactus and aids in soil stabilization. The flowers along with flowers of A. ambrosioides (Canyon Ragweed) are the chief pollen producers giving this plant a common name of Desert Ragweed. No food or medicinal uses were found for this plant.

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Senna Cassia covessii Rattlesnake bush Shrub to 2’ 1000’to 3000’ Yellow flowers This is a perennial shrub with showy yellow pea flowers. The common name of rattlesnake bush comes from the rattle sound made by the dried seed pods. A medicinal plant, Senna is known for its laxative properties. Make a tea from the leaves picked when the flowers are in bloom. To reduce the harshness of this treatment, add Desert Lavender or peppermint to the Senna tea. A tea from the seeds pods is less harsh.

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Screwbean Mesquite Prosopis pubescens

Sub tree to 20’ 1000’ to 5500’ Yellow catkin flower

A relative of the more common Velvet Mesquite (P. velutina), Screwbeans can be utilized for the same purposes. The tea of the leaves and bark are germ killing and astringent due to the tannins in those parts. The seed pods of this tree twist into a coiled pod that unlike other Mesquites is persistent. The pods are ground into flour that provides a good calcium source. An isotonic solution of the beans makes a good eyewash for conjunctiva (pink eye).

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Catclaw Acacia Acacia greggii Wait-a-minute bush Shrub to small tree to 23’ Below 5000’ Whitish flower This acacia has a delicate fern like leaf with branches armed with recurved thorns that resemble a cat’s claws. A member of the legume family the seed pods were ground into flour and used as a food source. The tea made from the plant has antimicrobial properties. Usually found close to the desert washes.

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Century plant Agave Americana Leaves to 4’ / flower stalks to 20’ 3000’ to 6000’ White flowers A native of northern Mexico, this agave is a common landscape plant. This agave flowers at about forty-five years of age and gives the plant the common name. As with most agaves the century plant is monocarpic (only blooms once). A source of fiber for cordage etc. and the roots when boiled make a soap substitute.

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Saguaro Cereus gigantia To 50’ 600’ to 3600’ Ivory flowers The saguaro cactus is the indicator plant for the Sonoran desert. If you see a saguaro you are most likely in the Sonoran. Seeds of the saguaro are high in protein and were probably part of the food supply prehistorically. Fruit of the saguaro were harvested by the native people and used for jelly and puddings. A ceremonial wine was made from saguaro fruit and was part of the rain/new years celebration for the native people. The saguaro blossom is the state flower of Arizona.

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Prickly pear Opuntia engelmannii Nopal Beavertail cactus Clumps to 2’ high / 6’ diameter 200’ to 4000’ yellow or orange flowers Prickly pear cactus was an important food source for the native people of the southwest. The fruits and buds provided a vitamin C source. The cactus pads (stems) were eaten raw or cooked and provide a calcium source. The inside of the stem contains chemicals that act in the same manner as Aloes. There are over thirty species of prickly pear in the southwest.

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Tree Cholla Opuntia acanthocarpa Jumping cactus Shrub-like to 6’ 500‘ to 3500’ white or pink flowers There are several varieties of cholla. This type of cactus developed cylindrical jointed stems, as opposed to their relatives the prickly pear which have a flat, pad shaped stem. Chollas reproduce from these stems that often litter the ground underneath the plant. Because these joints easily attach themselves to pedestrians, the plant gets its common name of jumping cactus. The cholla buds are harvested then roasted and provide a good source of vitamin C.

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Creosote Bush Larrea tridentata Chaparral Greasewood Shrub to 8’ – usually less To 4000’ Yellow flower This resinous shrub is one of the characteristic plants of the American deserts. The oils of the leaves provide protection from the deserts aridity and high ultraviolet light exposure. Many of these oils (30+) are volatile and are released into the atmosphere when it rains. This characteristic odor is the smell of the desert when it rains and gives rise to the common name, Creosote. While you can’t get creosote from a Creosote Bush (it just smells like it), there are many medicinal uses for the plant. Pima tradition tells that the Creosote Bush was the first plant made by the creator. The plant is also used in native ceremonies.

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Penstemon Penstemon parryi Parry’s penstemon To 4’ 1500’ to 5000’ pink flowers Parry’s penstemon is one of the spring perennials that bloom with a pink tubular flower, very attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. There are no recorded food uses found for this plant but, a poultice of the leaves may help in tissue repair (for slow healing wounds). Penstemons are good choices for drought tolerant landscapes.

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Ocotillo Fouquieria splendens Coachwhip Canes to 20’ Below 5000’ Red flowers A very distinctive plant of the desert bajadas The Ocotillo is well protected by thorns but, is not a member of the cactus family. The only other U.S. plant in this genus is the Boojum tree from the Baja area. This plant often appears dead as it drops its leaves during dry periods. Bright red tubular flowers appear with adequate rain and are favorites of hummingbirds and butterflies. The long branches are cut at the base to be used for ramada roofs or to create living fences around family gardens.

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Desert Marigold Baileya multiradiata To 2’ Below 5000’ Yellow flowers Mostly an annual herb this plant does easily reseed itself. The yellow daisy flower is indicative of the sunflower family. Desert Marigold may be toxic to livestock if grazed on heavily. There are no recorded medicinal or food uses found for this plant.

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Desert Sunflower Geraea canescens To 2’ Below 3000’ Yellow flower An aromatic annual of the sunflower family, this plant is attractive to many species of bees. The seeds are a source of food for birds and rodents. The leaves and flowers are boiled to produce a tea and pain relieving wash for arthritis sufferers.

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Mexican Petunia Ruellia peninsularis Shrub to 4’ Below 4000’ Purplish flower A landscape plant introduced from Baja California. The purplish trumpet shaped flower blooms from spring to fall with adequate water. It tends to be an evergreen although it can drop its leaves in response to cold. There were no recorded medicinal or edible uses found for this plant.

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Mexican Palo Verde Parkinsonia aculeate Tree to 40’ To 4500’ Yellow flowers This palo verde is not a native although it is becoming naturalized in Arizona. The long leaf stems with the small leaves gives this tree a willow look. The beans are edible as are the beans from the other two palo verdes. As the tree goes drought deciduous, it can be a messy tree in some landscape situations. The Mexican palo verde has a much shorter lifespan than the two native species, lasting only 50 years or so.

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Desert Tobacco Nicotiana trigonophylla Indian tobacco Shrub to 3’ Below 6000’ White flower The fleshy (often sticky) leaves and white tubular flowers are identifying features of this plant. This native tobacco is one of the species that was used in ceremonies by the native people. Tobacco is considered to be one of the most spiritual plants by the Native Americans. As a medicine, tobacco is used as a poultice to reduce swellings and help relieve the pain. The leaves can be boiled and this water used as a natural insecticide.

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Desert Willow Chilopsis linearis Tree to 20’ 1000’ to 5000’ Pink flower Desert willow is a tree of the desert riparian areas. Not a true willow (those are in the Salix genus) but, is willow like with its long leaves and drooping branches. The wood of this tree was used for basket material and for roofing of the vattos (ramadas). The plant is known as the “hiker’s aid” as powdered leaves or bark right from the tree will stop bleeding and kill germs in minor cuts and scrapes. Fragrant pink blossoms form throughout the summer but, the tree does drop its leaves in the winter.

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Little Leaf Palo Verde Cercidium microphyllum Yellow Palo Verde Foothills Palo Verde

Tree to 25’ 500’ to 4000’ yellow flower

This native species of palo verde is found on the dry rocky hillsides (bajadas) of the low desert. The chlorophyll in the tree’s green bark not only accounts for its name but, also provides about 40% of the trees photosynthesis. Little leaf palo verdes often go drought deciduous in the hotter summer months. The beans are edible green or dried and are a favorite of javelinas and ground squirrels.

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Firecracker plant Justicia spicigera Mexican honeysuckle Shrub to 4’ Below 4000’ Orange flowers This Justicia is a landscape plant native to Mexico. The plant was probably introduced to Arizona from Texas. A hardy bloomer, the orange tubular flowers bloom in April until the first frost. In mild winters the plant may continue to bloom. The firecracker is a good drought tolerant plant for desert landscapes. There were no recorded medicinal or edible uses found for this plant.

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Red Gum Eucalyptus Eucalyptus camaldulensis Red Gum

Shrub / tree to 80’ Below 5000’ White catkin flower

There are over 700 species of Eucalyptus which are native to Australia. They were introduced to America for their rapid growth to be used for firewood and windbreaks. Neither application proved very efficient. Eucalyptus is used by the Aboriginal people as a medicinal plant. Boil the leaves and add this water to your bath when you have a cold. The oils released are good for relieving congestion. Most Eucalyptus are weak limbed giving them the name “widow makers” as large limbs often come crashing down for no reason. It is also one of the trees that shed its bark yearly making it a messy plant in the landscape.

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Fairy Duster Calliandra eriophylla False mesquite Shrub to 4’ Below 5000’ Pink flowers This thornless, perennial shrub is an important browse plant for native animals. The pink flowers are very showy and account for the genus name which means beautiful stamens. A member of the legume (Fabaceae) family the seeds may have been gathered for food. There were no recorded medicinal use found for this plant.

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Joshua tree Yucca brevifolia Tree size to 30’ 2000’ to 3500’ White flowers This yucca is the indicator plant of the Mojave desert. It is considered to be the largest yucca and can live to be 300 years old. The leaves of the plant can be used for baskets but, it is not the first choice. Early pioneers compared the humanlike form of the Joshua to the arms raised biblical prophet. There is a large stand of Joshua trees near Wickenburg, Arizona.

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Jojoba Simmondsia chinensis Goatnut Shrub to 6’ Below 5000’ Inconspicuous male or female flower Jojoba, pronounced ho-ho-ba, is an important plant in the Southwest. It is a common browse plant for native fauna and native people gathered the seeds for food and medicine. The “bean” or seed forms on the female plant and is about 50% lipid (liquid wax). This wax is used in cosmetics, shampoos, commercial polishes and waxes and as a high temperature industrial lubricant (for rocket engines). The green bean is good for sore throats and the mature bean acts as an appetite suppressant. The beans are ready for harvest around summer monsoon time.

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Gray Thorn Ziziphus obtusifolia Condalia Shrub to 10’ 1000’ to 5000’ whitish green flowers A very spiny branched shrub often found in the same places as lycium (wolfberry). The gray bark distinguishes it form wolfberry. The whitish green tiny flowers give way to a purplish berry with very hard seeds. A favorite of the Gamble’s quail the native people also gathered the berries usually eating them raw. The roots of this shrub contain saponins and other compounds that when boiled can be used as a soap substitute with antifungal qualities. The thorns were used as an acupuncture treatment for sore or stiff joints.

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Hummingbird Bush Justicia californica Desert Honeysuckle Chuparosa Shrub to 5’ Below 2500’ Red tubular flowers Hummingbird bush is a colorful plant of the desert washes and arroyos. The red tubular flower will often bloom after each rain in the warmer months. A favorite nectar source for butterflies and hummingbirds (Chuparosa in Spanish), the flower is edible. There were no recorded medicinal uses found for this plant. While red is the common color of the blossom in nature, orange and yellow varieties can be found in local nurseries.

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Ironwood Olneya tesota Tree to 30’ Below 2500’ Pink-white flowers This member of the legume family can be identified by the smooth gray bark especially on the tree limbs. Ironwood is a heavy dense wood that was used for tool handles and projectile points. The wood is so dense that it sinks if placed in water. Ironwoods prefer to be in a frost free area and have been known to live for 500 years. The seeds are edible and when roasted taste a little like peanuts.