Natural History Wanderings

Joshua Tree National Park has posted its first wildflower update for 2013. Here is their summary of what they are observing:

After several dry months and a cold winter, Joshua Tree’s spring bloom has gotton off to a slow start. The yellow flowers of bladderpod (Peritoma arborea) bushes along Pinto Basin Road and the red-flowering chuparosa (Justicia californica) bushes south of Cottonwood Visitor Center are visible from the road, but little else is flowering. However, young leaves of annual wildflowers can be seen on the Bajada Nature Trail and along the roads, so hopefully we will have more flowers to enjoy as the weather warms.

To see the full report which includes specific plants by location and abundance go to: http://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/upload/feb15.pdf