The Joshua tree is a succulent rather than a tree. It belongs to the Agave family and goes by the scientific name of Yucca brevifolia. Joshua trees typically grow three to nine feet before branching.

Joshua trees come in two distinct species: the western Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia) and the eastern Joshua tree (Y. jaegeriana). The two species occupy different areas of the desert, are genetically ...

The Joshua tree has recently been recognized as composed of two distinct species, the western Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia) and the eastern Joshua tree (Y. jaegeriana). The two species occupy ...