Twentynine Palms in San Bernardino County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Desert Willow

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, December 12, 2025

1. Desert Willow Marker

Inscription.
This desert adapted tree is not a true willow, but it has similar long, slender leaves. Narrow leaves reduce surface area through which water is lost by a process called evapotranspiration.

Since they need more moisture than other desert plants, desert willows grow almost exclusively in washes. Their long tap roots seek water far below the surface and anchor them during rare flash floods.

Its flexible stems were used for twined baskets, granaries, bows, cradleboards, seed beaters, and various traps and snares.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Horticulture & Forestry • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Natural Resources.

Location. 34° 5.74′ N, 116° 10.205′ W. Marker is in Twentynine Palms, California, in San Bernardino County. It is on Indian Cove Nature Trail west of Indian Cove Road West, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 68451 Indian Cove Nature Trail, Twentynine Palms CA 92277, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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this marker is in Greater Los Angeles,

in the Coachella Valley,

in the Peninsular Ranges,

and specifically in the Transverse Ranges.

It is also in the American Southwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lizards for Lunch! (a few steps from this marker); Desert Almond - Prunus fasciculata (a few steps from this marker); Desert Bighorn Sheep (within shouting distance of this marker); Jojoba - Simmondsia chinensis (within shouting distance of this marker); Tortoise Troubles (within shouting distance of this marker); Are YOU a Packrat? (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hardships and Forced Transitions (about 500 feet away); Welcome to the Indian Cove Trail (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Twentynine Palms.

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, December 12, 2025

2. Desert Willow Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 27, 2026, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 40 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 28, 2026, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.