Natural History Wanderings

Anza Borrego Desert Natural History Association posted a new wildflower report on their website:

“20 April 2011 – Everybody tells you the Culp Valley area is a transition zone for plants, and you figure that means a transition from the desert to the chaparral, specifically Artemisia chaparral. But it also means it’s a transition from the mountains and even from the coast. We found plants in proof of that on a walk to Peña Spring when we saw such plants in flower as Southern Chinese Houses (from the mountains) and Golden Yarrow (whose range extends from the coast). Among the most seen plants in flower were Chaparral Nightshade and Lemon Linanthus, with a nice smattering of Apricot Mallow.

Southbound on S-2, as we descended the Campbell Grade into Vallecito Valley, we were greeted with acre after acre of Ocotillo in flower. At the Vallecitos Ranch, we noticed a nice little patch of Desert Dandelion.

Continuing southward and climbing through Sweeney Pass, we saw Indigo Bush in flower beside the road. The flowers continued to Jojoba Wash where we found the red flowers of Wolf’s Cholla, a species seen from here and into Mexico and over to Table Mountain and Jacumba.”