Joshua Trees Bloom More Often Due to Climate Change

According to a recent article in the LA Times by A. Wigglesworth climate change is causing Joshua trees to bloom more frequently than they did 100 years ago! Some think this is a troubling sign of problems to come.

Joshua trees, among California's most cherished plants, face a grim forecast. Projections indicate that, with the ongoing warming of the planet, much of the Joshua trees' habitat will become unsuitable by the century's end. A recent study has shown that these Mojave Desert icons are enduring conditions markedly different from those of the early 20th century, altering the frequency of their reproductive cycles.

A study featured in Ecology Letters has analyzed the impact of 120 years of climate change on Joshua trees, utilizing data collected by citizen scientists. Surprisingly, climate change has led to more unpredictable rainfall and milder winters, resulting in more frequent blooming of Joshua trees. Although this may seem beneficial, the changed climatic conditions are likely diminishing the survival prospects of fragile Joshua tree seedlings, which require steady moisture to mature into sturdy adults. Joshua trees are vital to the desert ecosystem, providing food and refuge to a host of species native to the Mojave.