I recorded several porcupines throughout the Chihuahuan desert in 2019- specifically in the Querecho Plains. There are few large trees, mainly Western soapberry, ( Sapindus saponaria), found around waterholes, and invasive Salt Cedar, ( Tamarix ramosissima). However, the deciduous Shinnery oak, (Quercus harvardii) is the dominant plant in the landscape, and is said to be the densest forest in the world! Shinnery oak gets its name because it is no taller than your shin.
Photo: Two noisy porcupines mating in a Western soapberry