Natural History Wanderings

Joshua Tree National Park has posted its first wildflower report of the season. The report:

The wildflower bloom in Joshua Tree National Park is getting off to a slow to start this year following some dry months. The yellow flowers of the bladderpod (Peritoma arborea) bushes are visible along Pinto Basin Road, the red flower of the chuparosa (Justicia californica) bushes south of Cottonwood Visitor Center are visible from the road, and the blue flowers of the canterbury bells (Phacelia campanularia) are blooming in Cottonwood basin. Possibly due to the freezing temperatures in December, we do have Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) blooming at Black Rock, West Entrance, Hidden Valley, and the Barker Dam area.

See the full detailed repot, which includes one plants are bloom, locations and abundance at: Wildflower Viewing – Joshua Tree National Park (U.S. National Park Service).