From the archive: This story originally published in The Desert Sun in 2019. On this south-facing slope in Morongo Valley there is a forest of very old Yucca schidigera, known as the Mojave yucca.

Yucca plants are drought-tolerant and have long, sword-like leaves. They produce tall, showy flower spikes and come in different varieties, including the popular Joshua Tree. 4. Desert Marigold ...