Plants are the first level in the food chain. Through a process called photosynthesis, the glucose a plant produces allows it to grow and reproduce so it can provide food for plant eating desert animals. Desert plants that have adapted to the extreme conditions and provide the basis of the desert food chain are wildflowers, cactus, trees, shrubs, and grasses.

Desert Green Plants Manufacture their Food
Desert Green Plants Manufacture their Food, By Jay Sharp, DeserUSA.com, Discusses photosynthesis, plant adaptations, and more.
http://www.desertusa.com/food_chain_k12/kids_2.htm...
Desert Sage Plants
Desert Sage Plants, By Jan Day, eHow Contributor, updated: May 11, 2010, Article contains photos and description of its characteristics, uses, and planting considerations.
http://www.ehow.com/about_6501040_desert-sage-plan...
Desert Sunflower
Desert Sunflower, DesertUSA.com, Article includes photos, description, range, flowers, and more.
http://www.desertusa.com/mag99/feb/papr/desunflowe...
Desert Trees and Large Desert Shrubs
Desert Trees and Large Desert Shrubs, Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association, Borrego Springs, California, Small photos of desert trees and shrubs; click on photo to learn more and view
http://www.abdnha.org/pages/03flora/groups/shrubst...
Desert Wildflower Photo Guide
Desert Wildflower Photo Guide, Digital-Desert: Mojave Desert, Many of these photos are clickable for a larger version, information on where they can be found, and months they bloom.
http://mojavedesert.net/wildflower-photos/
Hedgehog Cactus
Hedgehog Cactus, DesertUSA.com, Article includes photos, description, range, habitat, flowering time, and more.
http://www.desertusa.com/mag00/mar/papr/hhog.html
Jumping Cholla, Chain Fruit Cholla Cactus
Jumping Cholla, Chain Fruit Cholla Cactus, DesertUSA.com, Article includes a photo, habitat, range, and more.
http://www.desertusa.com/mag98/may/papr/du_chainch...
Mesquite tree
Mesquite tree, DesertUSA.com, Article includes photos, description, range, adaptations to desert environment, and more.
http://www.desertusa.com/jan97/du-smesquite.html
Rio Grande Cottonwood
Rio Grande Cottonwood, DesertUSA.com, Article includes photos, description, range, ecological role, and more.
http://www.desertusa.com/mag01/jan/papr/cwood.html
Whitethorn Acacia
Whitethorn Acacia, Centennial Museum & Chihuahuan Desert Gardens, Natural & Cultural History, University of Texas, El Paso, Photo, geographic range, description, and landscape use.
http://museum2.utep.edu/chih/gardens/plants/TtoZ/V...