Plants

 

Lake Mead Plant Communities

With the annual rainfall of the desert region near Lakes Mead and Mohave less than 6 inches a year, one might assume that only a few hardy plants could exist under such rigorous conditions. On the contrary, the desert has vast numbers of flower species (approximately 700 species with possibly more that are still to be identified). Favorable winter and early spring rains transform the seemingly bare slopes and washes into a mass of color. Without these beneficial rains, the seeds lie dormant until better conditions exist.

 

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  Shrubs
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  Cacti
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  Trees
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  Wildflowers
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  Grasses
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  Aquatic Plants

 

 

 

Report an Invasive Weed

Invasive non-native plant species can be harmful to animals and the ecosystem they live in. These weeds pose a threat for several reasons, including their ability to quickly reproduce after a disturbance and outcompete native plants for resources. If an invasive species takes hold, it may dominate water, nutrients, and space, preventing native species from re-establishing. This can lead to a plant community which is dominated by a single invasive species, providing inadequate forage for wildlife. Over time, these factors can degrade the health and biological diversity of an ecosystem.

There are numerous weeds of concern at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. When you report a noxious weed, it helps us know where to send resources to help control the weed's spread.

When you send your report, please include GPS coordinates and a detailed description of the location, how you got there, and the type of weed (e.g. five tufts of fountain grass are near the shore on the northwest side of Sandy Cove we access the area via boat; Or, Puncture Vine located in a pull out on the east side of the road 1 mile down the dirt road fork to Bonelli Bay).

Below is a list of common weeds of concern:

Puncture Vine (Goatshead) Salt Cedar Sahara Mustard Russian Knapweed Perennial Pepperweed Fountaingrass

Palm Tree (Yes, Palm Trees are not native) Malta Starthistle Athel Arundo Camelthorn

Learn more about invasive species at Lake Mead.