Natural History Wanderings

Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association  just published a new wildflower update

Plenty of Ocotillo is in flower throughout Anza-Borrego. Several species of cactus, particularly Hedgehog Cactus  are in flower in the desert near County Road S-2 from Rainbow Canyon off the east side of Mason Valley south. Obviously, spotting the Ocotillo is no problem. Finding the cactus which also includes Barrel Cactus, Beavertail, Ganders Cholla, and Fishhook requires that you park and snoop around.

Up and down County Road S-2, particularly in the southern reaches, are patches of Desert Dandelion. None of these patches is finer than those in the vicinity of S-2 near the Carrizo Badlands overlook.

Other flowers seen by the S-2 roadside include Desert Pincushion, Desert Chicory, Cryptantha, and even a Spectacle Pod among white flowers. Yellow flowers included Desert Poppy, Creosote, and Brittlebush. Of special interest were the flowering Desert Goldenhead plants seen on the west side of S-2 from Rainbow Canyon. Blue flowers included were Thistle Sage, Bajada Lupine, and Miniature Lupine Lupinus bicolor.

To see photos go to Current Report