Natural History Wanderings

Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area published the following wildflower bloom update on April 5, 2012:

We are beginning to see a few varied displays of wildflowers this year, in spite of Mother Nature’s erratic behavior and a very dry winter.  Goldenbush Ericameria linearifolius can be seen on almost all trails and roads in Hungry Valley.  Coreopsis Coreopsis californica and Lupine Lupinus are in bloom in many areas and can be seen blanketing the surrounding hills of Gorman with small patches of yellow and purple.  You have to look a little closer to see the tiny non-native Filaree Erodium cicutarium, but it is almost everywhere.

Along the Stipa Trail and Powerline Road, are masses of Fiddlenecks Amsinckia tessellate and numerous patches of Goldfields Lasthenia chrysostoma.  Closer inspection reveals clusters of Baby Blue Eyes Nemophila menziesii and Davey’s Gilia Gilia latiflora ssp. Davyi and in lesser quantities, the snowy blooms of Fremont Pincushion Chaenactis fremontii and the delicate creamy colored Desert Tidy Tips Layia glandulosa.

Also along Stipa, Spencer Primrose Camissonia ignota, isolated pockets of Forget-Me-Nots Cryptantha pterocarya and Desert Dandelion Malacothrix glabrata are appearing.  Poppies Eschscholzia californica are blooming in increasing numbers daily along the slopes, especially along Powerline Road.

Indian Paintbrush Castilleja chromosa is beginning to make a showing in the lower scrub areas in the southeast part of Hungry Valley along Meadows, Jackrabbit and Maxey Trails.  In the western part of the park, along Powerline Road and Cow and Pronghorn Trails, can be seen large Lupine Lupinus in quantity, and more poppies by the day.

Although the recent snow and freezing weather may change things a bit, we are hoping for a resilient display of blossoms and are planning the first wildflower tours for the weekend of April 14th & 15th at 10:30 a.m.