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 that case, sources said, most new Joshua tree growth would come from seeds brought into the burn scar by seed dispersers like antelope squirrels.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2025

Walking to the recently burned area, Cummings pointed to a young Joshua tree choked with dry grass.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2025

The department has interpreted the law to require property owners to get take permits for ground-disturbing work that’s performed within a certain distance of a Joshua tree.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 30, 2025

“It was written and passed by legislators with no ties to our community, who have never seen how the Joshua tree thrives and is intricately interwoven into our developed areas.”

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 16, 2025

While we were in Midland, Mom painted dozens of variations and studies of the Joshua tree.

From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls