Natural History Wanderings

Anza-Borrego State Park published the following wildflower bloom update for March 4, 2012:

1.    Visitor Center area: brittlebush, chuparosa (most have red blossoms, but there is one in the Nierenberg Amphitheater that is covered with yellow flowers), and desert lavender are in bloom. A beautiful beavertail cactus has started blooming near the Nierenberg Plaza and Amphitheater, and has many more buds ready to go! Tiny cryptantha is just about the only annual so far, although one (1!) desert dandelion was spotted recently, and a few phacelia plants have started to grow, though they have yet to bloom. What can you find?
2.    Borrego Palm Canyon: chuparosa, brittlebush, viguiera, trixis, desert lavender, ocotillo, sweetbush, cheesebush, and creosote bush; scattered (and few) annuals such as monkeyflowers, pygmy poppies, whispering bells, rock daisy, cryptantha and phacelia. Look for the delicate white blossoms of fiesta flower in shady spots.