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

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

Research suggests these connections can play a crucial role in helping Joshua tree seedlings make it through their perilous early years and reach maturity.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

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

Boiling Joshua tree pulp proved too costly, and the mills failed.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 18, 2025

One time I saw a tiny Joshua tree sapling growing not too far from the old tree.

From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls