Joshua trees under the Milky Way, California, United States

Today's image features a desert icon—the Joshua tree—native to the Mojave Desert in the southwestern United States. This remarkable tree grows rapidly during its first ten years, averaging about 7 centimetres per year. After that, its growth slows down to around 4 centimetres per year and over its lifespan, it can reach up to 15 metres. Their long, messy and rough appearance resembles the look of a beard, adding to the tree's unique and rugged charm.
© Chao Zhang/Getty Images