Natural History Wanderings

Death Valley National Park has the following wildflower report on their website for February 22, 2011:

“The volcanic hills north of Ashford Mill still have the best display of wildflowers in the park. Desert gold now cover the hills and the low-growing cryptantha carpeting the ground may not look like much, but produce a sweet perfume that carries on the breeze.  Sand verbena add sprawling patches of pink to the mix.
East of Jubilee Pass the sprouts that came up later are starting to bloom, but unfortunately from tiny plants that appear to be stressed from lack of moisture. Recent rainstorms brought high expectations, but little actual rain. Only 0.14 inches of precipitation fell at Furnace Creek on Feb 18, the first measurable rain since early January. This may be enough to keep the wildflower sprouts alive, but more is needed to produce much of a show.”