Joshua tree

American  

noun

1. an evergreen tree, Yucca brevifolia, growing in arid or desert regions of the southwestern U.S., having long, twisted branches.

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Joshua tree British  

noun

1. a treelike desert yucca plant, Yucca brevifolia, of the southwestern US, with sword-shaped leaves and greenish-white flowers

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Etymology

Origin of Joshua tree

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Depending on what they learn, the fix for future planting projects could be as simple as mixing a bit of native earth into the potting soil where the Joshua tree seedlings are grown.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

Such observations could help California decide where to prioritize Joshua tree conservation as it implements a sweeping plan to protect the plants from climate threats.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

In 2020, the Dome fire decimated what was then known as the world’s densest Joshua tree forest.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

The area, not far from Black Rock Campground, is one of the park’s densest Joshua tree woodlands.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2025

Not much grew around Midland other than the Joshua tree, cacti, and the scrubby little creosote bushes that Dad said were some of the oldest plants on the planet.

From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls