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As you drive the Arizona highways and back roads you will see much plant life
that you may not know the names of.
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I have just started this section as of 09/17/03 and I will more than likely be a long time getting
all of the plant life on it that grows along Arizona's highways.
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One thing to remember and is; if you intend to get out of your car
and wander the road sides for plants, flowers and what ever,
Please be watchful for this critter,
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
Known to Arizonians as the Coon Tail Rattler.
This one is 9 or 10 years old & probably as done its share of biting.
On the gravel road like this it's not hard to see,
but in the road side brush you won't see it until it's to late.
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We also seem to have our fare share of these guys.
This is a Gopher Snake, very common in Arizona
however it is not a venomous snake like the rattlers.
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One of the most common sights you will see in Arizona growing along
the highways is the,
SOAPTREE YUCCA
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Evergreen, palm like shrub or small tree with single trunk or several clustered trunks.
Very long needle pointed narrow leaves. Grows to approximately 15 to 20 feet high.
The leaves can be up to 2 feet long. Leaves are yellow-green with fine whitish threads along the edges.
The flowers are bell shaped with 6 white broad pointed sepals crowded on upright branches in large clusters.
Soapy material ion the roots & trunks has been used as a soap substitute.
The leaves were used by the Indians for basket making.
Reference National Audubon Society Nature Guide "DESERTS" Author James A. Mac Mahon ISBN #0-394-73139-5
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After the bloom a seed forms
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After the seed pod has dried out it pops open and scatters the seeds.
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Do not attempt to handle these with out gloves on.
There are tiny hair like needles on them and they will be very difficult to remove from your skin.
Besides there are zillions of them on the seeds.
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Arizona highways index - next page of road side floral - Back to What's on the Site page.