Natural History Wanderings

Anza Borrego Desert State park posted a new wildflower report and map today (3/18/11) They especially emphasized blooms in Borrego Palm Canyon Hellhole Canyon, Corral Canyon, Coyote Canyon, Pinyon Wash and far  west end  of Henderson Canyon Road.  They also said Desert Sunflowers are starting to appear on north side of  Henderson Canyon Rd.: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Wildflower Update 3-18-2011

Anza Borrego Desert Natural History Association just posted a new wildflower report dated yesterday:

“17 March 2011 – We saw our first Hedgehog Cactus flower of the season today, hidden away in a far corner of Ocotillo Flat. This is turning out to be a good year for cacti. The yellow flowers of Barrel Cactus are out in force. More and more Beavertail Cactus is displaying brilliant red flowers. Yellow flowers are starting to appear on the Silver Cholla. Fishhook Cactus was an early bloomer. There are still flowers to be seen, but they are fading.

The perennials are stirring, particularly the Brittlebush on the sunny slopes. Montuzuma Valley Road out of Borrego Springs has a particularly nice group. On Round Granite Hill, which is the first hill on your left after you leave Highway 78 and drive down the Mine Wash jeep trail, the Brittlebush is joined by nice patches of Desert Gold Poppy.

As for the annuals, we saw stands of Desert Dandelion that were taller, thicker, and fresher looking than any Desert Dandelion we have seen this year, near Coyote Creek, between First and Second Crossing, well away from the jeep trail.

On mountain trails, we’re starting to notice Bristly Langloisia. By mountain roads, particularly Highway 79 from Highway 76 to the Warner Springs airport, we’ve been seeing lots of Goldfields.”