Natural History Wanderings

Hungry Valley just published the following wildflower bloom update:

 The late snows and rains have encouraged masses of flowers that are now blooming along Stipa Trail.

At the intersection of Stipa and Powerline, the smell of grape soda lupines (Lupinus) permeates the air and the Spencer’s Primrose (Camissoniaignota) and Desert Dandelion (Malacothrixglabrata) are especially bright, carpeting the area. We are seeing lots more Desert Tidy Tips (Layiaglandulosa) and Forget-Me-Nots (Cryptanthapterocarya) along with persistent clusters of Baby Blue Eyes (Nemophilamenziesii) and Davey’s Gilia (Gilialatiflora ssp. Davyi). Although the California Poppies (Eschscholziacalifornica) are a bit shy this year, they are blooming in increasing numbers, especially along the Wheatfield and Salt Lick Trails near Powerline Road.

Overall, the wildflower displays are really beautiful, and we are offering guided wildflower tours for the first weekend in May.  Meet the interpretive staff at the Hungry Valley North Entrance parking lot at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The tours last approximately 1 ½ hours.via

see photos and bloom updates at:  Wildflowers at Hungry Valley.