Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association posted a new wildflower bloom update for April 15, 2012.
It was Beavertail Cactus against Hedgehog Cactus for the most colorful blooming plant seen on a walk in Bitter Creek Canyon. You be the judge. Yellow Barrel Cactus and Ganders Cholla flowers remain plentiful. We even found a couple of Fishhook Cacti still in flower on the south-facing slope of a rocky hill.Perhaps the most numerous blooming plant was Desert Calico, one of the tiniest bloomers and a member of the Phlox Family Polemoniaceae. Among other small plants in bloom noted were Wallaces Woolly Daisy both white and yellow, Small Wreath Plant, and Bajada Lupine.
Read all their reports at Anza-Borrego Wildflowers Winter 2011-12.
Natural History Wanderings 
I was in Blair Valley for the weekend (4/12-16/12) and also drove over to Elephant Tree Nature Trail. It was disappointing as not much was in bloom. No wildflowers to speak of in those parts of A-Z. There were a few blooms on the barrel cacti and a lot of buds. Some ocotillo had blossoms but almost no leaves. There was a lot of rain on 4/13 and the ocotillo were starting to leaf out by the 15th (it only takes them about three days). Next weekend could be better.
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By: Ron on April 17, 2012
at 3:45 PM
Thanks for the update. Ocotillos are a personal favorite.
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By: Sandy Steinman on April 17, 2012
at 3:53 PM