* Arid climate: Very low rainfall and hot summers with cold winters.
* Rocky, well-drained soil: Joshua trees prefer sandy and gravelly soils, as they don't tolerate waterlogged conditions.
* High elevation: They thrive at elevations between 2,000 and 6,000 feet.
* Limited plant competition: Joshua trees dominate their environment, outcompeting other plants due to their deep roots and water-efficient adaptations.
So, if you see a Joshua tree, you know you're in the Mojave Desert!