Skip navigation.
New Mexico State University

Chihuahuan Desert Scrub

(Mesquite, Ocotillo)

This vegetation association occupies lower basin slopes and basin floors. Species typical of this habitat include Honey Mesquite, Ocotillo, Snakeweed, Bush Muhly, Sand Dropseed and Mesa Dropseed.

The top photograph shows an area of Mesquite in the forground and Madrean-Riparian Oak Forest as a dark line in the background.

Below, the large populations of snakeweed that are often associated with mesquite.

Image of landscape
Image of landscape

Plants

Plants From The Chihuahua Desert Scrub. Below - top to bottom

  • Sacred datura, a common plant in Chihuahuan Desert Scrub.
  • Chocolate flower, a common composite in the Chihuahuan Desert Scrub.
  • A prickly pear cactus.
  • A prickly pear cactus flower.
Image of sacred datura
Image of chocolate flower
Image of prickly pear cactus
Image of prickly pear cactus flower

Arachnids

Desert Scrub Arachnids - Below, top to bottom

  • A jumping spider, Poultenella alboimmaculata, from mesquite near Animas. This is a first record for western New Mexico for this species from north central Texas.
  • A jumping spider, "Pseudicius" piraticus, from mesquite.
  • A tarantula, Aphonopelma sp., from desert scrub.
  • Centruroides exilicauda , or the Arizona bark scorpion, is a dangerous inhabitant of Desert, Desert Scrub, and some Riparian Habitats.
Image of jumping spider
Image of jumping spider
Image of tarantula
Image ofArizona bark scorpion