Natural History Wanderings

DesertUSA  has the following wildflower updates for Joshua Tree National Park

INDIAN COVE – On the Nature Trail and along the roadside I counted 25+ species of flowers in bloom ranging from Desert Dandelion, Datura, Chicory, Hole-in-the Sand and the parasite Scaly-Stemmed Sand Plant. Beavertail Prickly Pear, Cholla and Hedgehog cactuses are coming into bloom.

WEST ENTRANCE – Some of the flowers on the hills were fading, but parts of washes were carpeted with flowers including Woolly Daisy, Desert Dandelion, Scale Bud, Purple Mat, Desert Star, Tickseed and Chia. Desert Woolly Star and Calico are having an especially good year. An easy spot to get to a wash is down from the West Entrance station.

QUEEN VALLEY – The road that starts north of Geology Trail and Park Boulevard and goes to Barker Dam has, at both ends, patches of bright yellow Desert Marigold and purple Desert Verbena, with a number of other interesting annuals. At sunset, on the end of the road by Park Blvd., I watched hundreds of Evening Primroses open up.

BOY SCOUT TRAIL – The beginning part of the trail (from Park Blvd.) is pretty with the Joshua trees rising above Desert Dandelions and Pincushions. On close look there were also White-Stemmed Blazing Star, Shining Blazing Star, Rattlesnake Weed and Mojave Sun Cups.

49 PALMS – This trail is quite dry with only a few flowers. It was, however, the only place in the park I found Rock Daises and Trailing Windmills blooming.

See photos at:  Desert Wildflower Reports for Joshua Tree NP by DesertUSA.