Dry/wet variation recorded by shrub tree-rings in the central Badain Jaran Desert of northwestern China

► This is the first dendrochronology study for the desert shrub common beancaper. ► The shrub's radial growth was mainly controlled by precipitation in the Badain Jaran Desert of northwestern China. ► The reconstructed dry/wet climate variety covers 160 years. ► These results are helpful for understanding to the regional climate change and desertification process.