Growing up to nine feet high in Southern California, this tower of flowers emerges from the low-growing plant below, which is known as Spanish bayonet (for its bladelike leaves). The gray-green color of Spanish bayonet is typical of many plants in the Mediterranean zone. The light-colored leaves reflect heat better than darker colors, and that helps plants conserve water in this dry environment. (Mariusz S. Jurgielewicz/ Shutterstock) Read More