Natural History Wanderings

Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association posted the following wildflower bloom update:

Temperatures continue mild in the desert. Some residents have yet to find it necessary to run their air conditioning. As for flowers, the annuals may be mostly gone, but the perennials are responding nicely.

Desert Ironwood trees are in flower beside Borrego Springs Road at Texas Dip, beside Highway 78 at Ocotillo Wells, and in Hawk Canyon. Desert Lavender has brought honeybees to Plum Canyon. Rush Milkweed has brought Tarantula Hawks to locations in and around the badlands. In Glorietta Canyon, flowering shrub of the week honors probably belong to the Indigo Bush, while the Pygmy Gold Poppies continue to be a significant presence in the wash.

In the mountains above the desert, California Evening Primrose, Scarlet Bugler, and Boundary Goldenbush are a presence beside the Montezuma Valley Road. If you stop and look carefully, you may find flowers like Baby Blue Eyes and Farinose Ground Pink. This is a good time for a hike along your favorite section of the Pacific Crest Trail.

See all  of their reports at Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association