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Historical perspectives

Deserts are often depicted in history and pop culture as lifeless, barren wastelands, seemingly worlds apart from anything divine. Spanish colonizers often viewed the Chihuahuan Desert as a harsh, unforgiving wilderness. However, for Indigenous groups like the Jumano and Apache, the desert was far from desolate; it was a bountiful, sacred place, cultivated and harvested with profound environmental and ecological knowledge.  Although modern agriculture and water development have somewhat eased survival challenges, they have also placed strain on the delicate desert ecosystem. Despite these changes, the Chihuahuan Desert remains a symbol of resilience, celebrated for its rugged beauty, vast skies, and rich biodiversity. 

It’s a dry heat

Deserts are defined by the lack of water. The formula to make a desert occurs when precipitation is much less than the water loss due to evaporation from the ground and from plant leaves (a process called transpiration). The high summer temperatures increase evaporation, causing less water to be available for living things. Besides rivers and springs, water is only available for brief periods following rain or snowmelt. Rainfall in deserts is often variable, with intense downpours interspersed with long periods with no rain.  Despite these challenges, many plants and animals have adapted to survive and even thrive in the deserts.

The Four North American Deserts

The four major deserts of North America— the Great Basin, Mojave, Sonoran, and Chihuahuan — cover approximately 10% of the continent.  These deserts feature unique landscapes with varying climates, interacting to form diverse ecosystems with a rich tapestry of plants and animals. 

Great Basin 

The northernmost and highest elevation desert. The winters are very cold, and the hot summer only lasts a few months. Annual precipitation averages 9 inches in the west and 12 inches in the east, with the majority falling in the winter. The plant community is dominated by shrubs like Big Sagebrush. 

Mojave 

North America’s hottest and driest desert. Although freezes are common in the winter, summer temperatures soar above 100 °F. Precipitation ranges from 2 to 6 inches, mostly falling in the winter. Wet winters can produce superblooms of annual wildflowers. Higher elevations support Joshua Trees, a species of yucca that can reach 30 ft tall!   

Chihuahuan 

The furthest south with a high elevation, mostly above 3500 ft. The high elevation means that hard freezes in the winter are common, and that summer temperatures are cooler than in the Mojave and Sonoran. Precipitation ranges from 6 to 16 inches, most occurring in the summer months when moist air from the Sea of Cortez or the Gulf of Mexico reaches into the region. Shrubs such as Creosote and Tarbush are common, as are agaves and yuccas.  

Sonoran 

The lowest elevation desert with most areas below 2000 ft. This leads to hot summers and mild winters. The hottest and driest region near the Sea of Cortez averages 3.5 inches of precipitation, while further north, around Tucson, averages 11 inches. In the west, the desert receives mostly winter rains, while the eastern part has both winter and summer monsoons. The mild winters and higher precipitation allow large cacti like Saguaros (only found in the Sonoran!) and small trees like Palo Verdes and Ironwood to thrive.

Desert Diversity

The Chihuahuan Desert is one of the world's most biologically diverse deserts. This desert hosts over 3,000 plant species, with about 1,000 found nowhere else on Earth, a phenomenon known as endemism. Surprising to many people, this richness extends to aquatic life, with nearly half of its 110 freshwater fish species also being endemic. The vast area of the Chihuahuan Desert, coupled with its varied elevations, precipitation, geology, and soil types, fosters this incredible biodiversity. Additionally, the desert's isolation by the Rocky Mountains to the north, Sierra Madre Oriental to the east, and Sierra Madre Occidental to the west, has further driven the adaptation and evolution of its unique species. 

Exploring the Plant Communities

The Chihuahuan Desert's geography is mostly basin and range: wide desert valleys (basins) and tall mesas and mountains (ranges). The lower you go, the hotter it gets; the higher you climb, the cooler it is. Rain also follows this pattern—dry in the valleys, wetter in the mountains. Plants match the weather: small and spread out in the valleys, bigger trees on mountain slopes and peaks. Soil changes too, with clays and silts in low areas, and sand, gravel, and cracked rocks higher up. This mix creates diverse plant communities all over the desert. 

Chihuahuan Desert Plant Communities

Chihuahuan Desert Scrub 

Much of the lower and drier parts, about 70%, are covered in low scrub vegetation, mostly under 6 feet tall. Creosote dominates this elevation, growing in sandy and clayey soils derived from limestone. Areas with volcanic soils or near arroyos feature greater diversity, including Honey Mesquite, Tarbush, Apache Plume, and Desert Willow. Areas with thin and rocky soils feature dense stands of Lechuguilla, an agave unique to this desert.  

Sand Dunes 

Deserts are often misunderstood as endless sand dunes, but dunes only cover about 1% of the Chihuahuan Desert. Large dune complexes occur east of El Paso into New Mexico and near Samalayuca, south of Ciudad Juarez. Shrubs like Honey Mesquite and Creosote trap blowing sand, making small mounds, but some dunes move too much for shrubs to grow. Plants like Broom Dalea, Sand Sage, and Soaptree Yucca are adapted to these sandy spots. 

Salt Flats and Playas 

Some basins between the mountains are terminal, meaning no water flows out. During the rainy season, mountain runoff forms shallow lakes that leave deposits of gypsum and salt behind after evaporation. These areas cover about 4% of the desert. Many of the plants adapted to these harsh conditions are endemic.  Salt-tolerant plants include Four-Wing Saltbush, Quinine Bush, and Alkali Sacaton.  Gypsum specialists include Gypsum Broomscale, Hairy Crinklewort, and Gypsum Grama. 

Grasslands 

Grasslands cover gentle slopes of sandy soils derived from volcanic rocks, at elevations between 4,000 and 6,000 ft where there is more rain. They currently make up about 9% of the desert but were more common before livestock grazing began in the 1800s. Grama and sacaton grasses are common, along with wildflowers and a few shrubs. 

Montane Chaparral 

Above the grasslands or upper scrub communities is montane chaparral. The cooler temperatures and increased rain support shrubs and small trees that characterize this community. It covers about 5% of the Chihuahuan Desert. On exposed mountainsides, these shrubs are scattered with grasses underneath. In sheltered canyons and north-facing slopes, plants are taller and denser. Small oaks, Texas Mountain Laurel, Evergreen Sumac, yuccas, and agaves grow here. 

Evergreen Woodlands 

Mountains in and around the desert can soar over 7,000 ft and form clouds that bring up to 20 inches of rain yearly. Their evergreen woodlands of oaks, junipers, and pinyon pines resemble the Rockies more than the desert. These woodlands cover just 3% of the area but add lots of biodiversity. Known as sky islands, these mountains are like islands of forest in a sea of desert. 

Riparian 

Riparian woodlands cover about 1% of the Chihuahuan Desert. These narrow forests of cottonwoods, willows, and other big trees grow along the few permanent waterways. Rocky streams support diverse forests with Arizona Sycamore, Velvet Ash, Goodding Willow, and Bigtooth Maple. Although rare in the region, these woodlands are home to many birds and mammals. 

Springs 

Springs form when water travels underground from higher elevations and emerges downslope, supporting moisture-loving plants. Spring-fed streams are rare, but salty wetlands called ciénagas are common, with marsh plants like cattails and rushes. These oases are crucial for birds, and because of their isolated nature can host unique fish, snails, and butterflies. 

Challenges and Solutions

The Chihuahuan Desert is one of the most diverse drylands on the planet, but it is also facing serious threats. Overgrazing by domestic livestock, mainly cattle, has shrunk grasslands and allowed shrubs to invade. Climate change is making the desert hotter and drier.  Facing these ecological challenges can be overwhelming but adding native plants to our local ecosystems, our home, is a positive step. While it will not solve everything, it offers tangible benefits: restoring lost habitats and supporting local wildlife. Opting for sustainably sourced plants and minimizing non-native varieties also cuts irrigation needs and lowers pollution from lawn equipment. 

Defining native plants

What makes a plant "native"? Native plants evolved alongside animals and other plants in their area. They naturally grow in a region without human intervention. But here's where it gets tricky: how do you define a region? Is a plant from the southern Chihuahuan Desert native to El Paso? Probably not. So, how close does it need to be to count? There is no exact answer, but generally, the closer it is, the more likely it shares that local history. Conversely, many ornamental plants, from far-off places like Asia, Europe, and Africa, do not share the same evolutionary history as our native ones! 

Saving water, time, and money

Native plants are local heroes, thriving with our soils, rainfall, and temperatures with minimal care and less irrigation. Traditional lawns can gulp down 40-60% of summer water, which is a big deal in water-limited El Paso, especially with more droughts due to climate change. El Paso has led in water-saving efforts, with past incentives for removing grass.  Replacing lawns with rocks and a few cacti is not the only option. A landscape with native plants can be attractive, low-maintenance, and cost-effective, requiring minimal fertilization and enduring hot summers and winter freezes, all without spiking your water bill. 

Your backyard food web 

Remember those summer road trips when your car became splattered with bugs? That rarely happens today, because of the decline in insect populations. Similar declines are echoed in many wildlife species. How can cultivating native plants in your yard possibly help? Simply put, native plants maintain the local food web, while non-native plants do not. Native plants attract and maintain insect populations in your yard.  Insects are essential, pollinating 90% of flowering plants and transferring energy to animals like lizards and birds. Almost all birds need insects, especially to feed their chicks. A yard with native plants supports more insects, restoring a complex, stable food web and boosting biodiversity. 

Picky eaters

Plants form the foundation of the food web, converting sunlight and carbon dioxide into food for animals. To avoid being eaten, plants have evolved defenses like chemicals and spines. Herbivores, particularly insects, adapt to the defenses, becoming specialists on certain native plants.  Non-native plants fail to feed these specialists, reducing insect diversity. While pollinators may sip nectar from non-natives, they cannot use them for reproduction. Many butterflies and bees need specific native plants to feed their young. Providing these native plants benefits both specialized and generalist species. 

Connecting to our place

Traditional landscapes use plants from all over the world because they are pretty and easy for nurseries to grow. El Paso often uses the same plants as Dallas or Atlanta, even though the climates are totally different. But it does not have to be this way! The Chihuahuan Desert has thousands of plants with spectacular flowers, interesting shapes, and fragrant smells. Using these local plants celebrates our desert home and helps us connect with our environment. This connection builds a sense of identity and responsibility, which is key to protecting biodiversity and restoring healthy ecosystems. Let us cultivate our unique desert plants and make a difference!

Defining your goals

Ready to improve your yard with some awesome native plants? Put down that shovel and pick up a pen and paper to make your plan. Do you need space for epic games of tag or fetch? Dreaming of a garden full of fresh veggies? How about a stunning spot to chill with friends or just soak up the sun? Want to be a hero for local wildlife by creating habitat? You can do all this with native plants! Swap out non-native plants gradually and focus on using as many native plants as you can. Keep the lawn you need and let the transformation begin! 

Assessing your site

The next step is to figure out the growing conditions of your yard. The big three are soil, sun, and stormwater. Is your soil sandy, rocky, or clay? Clay slows water drainage, while water moves through sand and rocks quickly. How much sunlight does each spot get? The north and east sides of a house are shadier and cooler than the south and west. Consider tree and fence shade too! How does stormwater drain? Rainwater zooms down slopes and can cause erosion, while low spots collect water. You can harvest rain by directing it from roofs to basins using miniature arroyos. Draw your property and include your specific conditions. 

Right plants for the right place

With your landscaping goals and yard conditions sorted, it is time to pick some plants! The trick: match specific native plants to YOUR yard. Lots of native plants love full sun, low water, and well-drained soil—perfect for most spots. Shady areas are great for plants from higher elevations or cool places like canyons. Got soggy soil or low spots? Those are perfect for riparian or wetland plants. Group plants with similar needs together. Finding native plants can be tricky, but local nurseries are great starting places. Check out FloraFest! And join local clubs like the Native Plant Society and Cactus and Rock Club for tips! 

Watering wisdom

Native plants are generally low-maintenance, but they still need some TLC! Newly planted ones need extra water until their roots grow strong, and some species may look nicer with more water. Irrigation systems help, but they need maintenance too. There's no one-size-fits-all watering schedule; it depends on the plant species, soil, and sunlight. Desert natives like slow, deep watering that reaches all their roots, followed by a dry period. Watch your plants to see what works best! 

Tend your Garden

Fertilizer? You probably don't need it! It can make plants grow too fast and become unhealthy. 

Let insects munch on some of your plants. Your yard is part of the food web, and insects are key to transferring plant energy to animals. Plus, they add cool movement and beauty. 

Your landscape does not have to be neat and tidy. Fallen leaves make great mulch, reducing water loss and building the soil through decomposition. Old flowers have seeds for birds, and some bees nest in plant stems. 

Creation of the Gardens

The Chihuahuan Desert Gardens project kicked off in 1990 with three main goals: to offer ³ÉÈËÍ·Ìõ and the community a living laboratory to study and appreciate native plants, to show how indigenous peoples use these plants, and to demonstrate lush landscapes using water-conserving native plants. The project officially began in 1992 with Jubilee Square, marking ³ÉÈËÍ·Ìõ’s 75th anniversary. The towering Desert Willows in the front of the museum were planted at that time. Construction started on the main part of the Gardens in 1998, and it opened in 1999. Since then, the Gardens have attracted botanists, horticulturists, educators, and plant lovers worldwide.

The vision behind the Gardens 

Wynn Anderson, the Assistant Vice President for Finance and Administration at the time, was the visionary behind the project. Wynn started out as a geologist stepping on plants to see the rocks, but after learning how to appreciate native plants, he began stepping on the rocks to see the flora!  Wynn wanted people to know that desert landscaping can be colorful, interesting, and lush. “The desert has hidden beauty.  These gardens will allow people to witness that beauty and realize that El Paso is a progressive and forward-thinking city, filled with color and charm that deserves to be seen and appreciated.” 

Changes over the years

Over the past 25 years, the Gardens have changed significantly. Saplings have grown into lofty trees, providing cool shade. While this makes the Gardens more inviting for people (and critters), some of the original plants cannot survive. Sun and heat loving plants are struggling, needing open landscapes to thrive again. Maintenance now involves lots of pruning to accommodate as many species as possible. It is inspiring to think that the small plants placed in a home landscape today will soon grow to be vibrant parts of our environment. 

FloraFest

The ³ÉÈËÍ·Ìõ Annual FloraFest began in 1993 as a small event in the museum parking lot. It started as a fundraiser for the Gardens and an educational event, promoting native plants not found in local nurseries. While they expected nurseries to pick up the trend and offer more native plants, FloraFest has thrived for over 30 years and become the primary funding source for maintaining and operating the Gardens. Now held twice a year—April and September—FloraFest continues to provide El Paso with plants that thrive and support biodiversity.  The Chihuahuan Desert Gardens continues to ignite a deeper connection between people and their desert home.