Flora of the Franklin Mountains

 By Alyssa Helmling

 

Tucked within the city of El Paso, Texas, Franklin Mountains State Park, the largest urban park in the US, is a majestic area for recreation and activity. I frequently hike the slopes of the mountains, and breathing in the fresh, dry air with the sun shining in my face feels like home. 

 

View of the Franklins from a hiking trail

 

The park is also home to a wide variety of plant life. One of the most common sightings while venturing up the mountain are Sotol plants that are scattered throughout the entire landscape. 

Sotol is abundant across the sierra

 

Cacti are also common along the summit, particularly opuntia and southwest barrel cactus. 

Cacti found at the park

 

One plant species I find visually interesting is the ocotillo with its expansive structure, prickly branches, and brightly colored flowers. 

 

Ocotillo is common to these deserts

 

Agave species are sometimes found across the range as well. The green coloration of the vegetation creates a beautiful contrast with the red rock of the mountains. 

 

Unfortunately, the Chihuahua Desert where the Franklin Mountains lie is threatened by woody plant encroachment, climate change, and overgrazing. Warming and drying of the ecosystem due to climate change has led to the disappearance of many water sources and overgrazing of by cattle has contributed to the conversion of grasslands to shrubland in this ecosystem. These are all dangers to the rich biodiversity of the Chihuahua Desert.