"Probably no other tree grows in such grotesque forms as does the Joshua, especially these found in this park. The Herbertii subspecies grows mostly in deep sandy soil and rarely grows more than 14 feet high. Also note that as the leaves (green spikes on the upper end of the limbs) die, they turn grey and fold down against lire branch or trunk. As the tree ages, these dead leaves fall off leaving a bark like covering." - Ripley Woodland Brochure