Joshua tree

noun

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

Joshua tree

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Joshua tree¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Word History and Origins

Origin of Joshua tree¹

named after the prophet Joshua, alluding to the extended branches of the tree

Example Sentences

A solar project now being constructed in the Mojave Desert is expected to destroy 4,000 Joshua trees.

From Los Angeles Times

Some have argued the best place to place solar panels is rooftops or above parking lots, which avoids killing delicate desert plants like Joshua trees.

From Salon

When Roy Richards spotted workers cutting down and shredding Joshua trees for a sprawling solar energy project near his Mojave Desert home last week, he started taking photos.

From Los Angeles Times

The boys point out a lizard, an antelope squirrel and a Joshua tree.

From Los Angeles Times

Joshua trees are important for the entire desert community.

From Los Angeles Times