Natural History Wanderings

Desert USA reports:

More species of wildflowers are opening each day on the first mile of the 50-Year Trail at Catalina State Park: Mariposa Lily, Paper Flowers, Desert Pincushion, Trixis, Desert Zinnia, Ocotillo, Larkspur, Hedgehog Cactus, and Prickly Pear Cactus plus continuing views of Blue Dicks, Poppies, Desert Marigold, Brittlebush, Wooly Daisies, and many more. I’ve identified over 75 species of wildflowers in bloom in March.

Two new wildflower bloom reports from Boyce Thompson Arboretum:

Our first Mariposa Lilies are flowering, and Arizona Native Plants Society Chapter President Cass Blodgett spotted Larkspur beginning to bloom in a patch near the highest point on the main trail. Learn to ID wildflowers Saturday (3/31) at 11:00am when Cass leads his weekly wildflower walk; these continue in April and are included with daily admission of $9 (at no charge if you’re a BTA annual member or have an Arizona State Parks annual pass).

Cactus blossoms worth visiting to see this week include a rare Claret Cup hedgehog (Echinocereus triglochidiatus, var. Arizonicus) with vivid red flowers easily photographable in the raised bed where the Main Trail crosses Silver King Wash. Native ‘Boyce Thompson’ Hedgehog cacti named in honor of the park’s founder are flowering as you walk the main trail above Ayer Lake

ROUND MOUNTAIN PARK IN GLOBE, about 90 miles east of Phoenix, has a few unusual varietals at peak color this week. Hike the East Mountain Trail which drops downhill immediately right past the entry gate to see wallflower, penstemon barbatus, blackfoot daisies, doubting marposa lilies and false garlic. Hedgehog cacti are just beginning to bloom at this elevation – and Round Mountain has particularly vivid dark ones – including a few cristate cacti youll see trailside. The City of Globes Round Mountain Park is located just west of the highway 60/70 stoplights; take the road between Zens Cafe and Two Lanes bar to get there. Watch for hillsides carpeted with Night-scented Stock Matthiola longipetala as you approach the entry gate and bathrooms. Its an invasive nonnative plant, but has a sweet perfume in the evening if you walk trails at sunset or sunrise. Watch for delphinium along the East Mountain Trail, too. Trails at Round Mountain park are a great place to see and photograph hedgehog cacti in April and May; if youve never been here – make a point of hiking Round Mountain Park trails this spring. http://www.globeaz.gov/departments/recreation/round-mountain-park