Fruit and Seeds: Fruit resembles a small, fuzzy peach; about 1/2 inch long; covered with dense, brown hairs. Seed surrounded by a
thin, dry pulp.
Habitat: Dry, well-drained sandy, gravelly, and rocky soils along washes; occasionally found away from washes on rocky hillsides.
Elevation: Generally 3,000 to 6,500.
Distribution: Utah to Baja California
Comments: This is one of the species most often seen along washes around Las Vegas.
Western Tent Caterpillar Moths (Malacosoma californicum fragile) usually lay their eggs in Desert Almonds. The eggs hatch, and the caterpillars build a "tent" for protection while they feed on leaves. When present, this is a good way to identify this plant species in our area. |