Desert Plant Life
Sagebrush and cacti are the most abundant plants in the desert. The prickly pear cactus stores water in its leaves (right). Sagebrush (left) has spiny leaves and is deciduous. The roots of a sagebrush plant can grow up to 30 metres away to absorb water! Tumbleweed is often seen in deserts, and all it is, is a dried up sagebrush bush that's been uprooted.
Most desert plants are spiny and produce chemicals to prevent being eaten. They also have thick, waxy leaves that store water. Cacti have thick, fleshy stems that hold water as well. Including sagebrush, the roots of most plants will spread to find water.