Natural History Wanderings

Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association just posted a new wildflower bloom update dated November 24, 2012  for Grapevine Canyon Road, Angelina Spring

The bright golden inflorescences of Rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus paniculatus), dozens if not hundreds of them, are seen along the first mile of the Grapevine Canyon Road from Highway 78 to the junction with the Yaqui Well Road at the mouth of Bitter Spring Canyon. Stopping for a close look, one might notice the flowers of Sandpaper Plant (Petalonyx thurberi), Desert Lavender (Hyptis emoryi), Chuparosa (Justicia californica), and Burrobush (Ambrosia dumosa). Here and there are the red stalks and flowers of Fringed Amaranth (Amaranthus fimbriatus), while Greene’s Ground Cherry (Physalis crassifolia) makes a small but early appearance, the few flowers on Sweetbush (Bebbia juncea) continue to draw insect attention, and Bladderpod (Isomeris arborea), true to its name, displays bladder pods along with yellow flowers.

At Angelina Spring, hit hard by fire this year, the green leaves of Cat-tail, Mesquite, Willow, Arrowweed (Pluchea sericea), and Sugarbush (Rhus ovata) are making a fast re-appearance where the spring waters are closest to the surface. We saw golden leaves on just one Fremont Cottonwood (Populus fremontii) tree. Stuart Spring, a mile to the north, escaped the fire. As birders well know, Cottonwood trees. Grapevines (Vitis giardiana) and Sugarbush provide cover here for local Quail and other birds, while bees are busy in the mud beside the tank that was built by cowboys.

Coming and going to the desert by way of Banner Grade, Scissors Crossing, and Sentenac Canyon, one enjoys the golden leaves of Fremont Cottonwood trees galore.

Read all their reports at Anza-Borrego Wildflower Updates