Natural History Wanderings

Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association reports a Feb. 25 Update:

Could this be the best bloom since 2005?  With the forecast for cool weather in the week ahead and possible rain this weekend, some longtime residents are saying this year’s bloom has the potential to be the best in the past ten years.

The extent to which this prediction plays out over then next couple of weeks is in the hands of Mother Nature, but…setting all such predictions aside… there are more wildflowers to be seen in the Borrego Valley right now than at any point over the past several years.

The best flowers are to be found in the north end of the Borrego Valley, with bright yellow desert sunflower, expanding mats of purple sand verbena, white Dune Evening Primrose, brown-eyed primrose, and Arizona Lupine looks to be ready to bloom in the days ahead.  Desert Lilies are there too, scattered among the other flowers.

Where to look?  Some good spots include:

If you want to hike: Scroll through the detailed reports below to see where flowers are being reported.

If you want an easy walk and/or a driving tour:

Hike up Henderson Canyon: You can drive about a mile up the dirt road, park and walk for as long as you desire. Over 30 wildflower species are in bloom, including California Barrel Cactus.

• Purple Phacelia and yellow Desert Dandelion are blooming at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center, the western canyons, and on roads throughout Borrego Valley.

• The Visitor Center – Campground Trail is also a good spot for an easy walk.

• In Borrego Palm Canyon and Little Surprise Canyon,  shrubs such as Brittlebush, Chuparosa, and Desert Lavender are making a beautiful showing as well. • Brown-eyed Evening Primrose and Sand Verbena can be found in the fields along DiGiorgio Road and alongside many of the roads throughout the Borrego Valley.

• Lupine plants are widespread, and will soon be blooming in abundance along DiGiorgio Road north of Palm Canyon Drive and south of Henderson Canyon Road as well as the north side of Henderson Canyon Road just west of the junction with S22.

• Desert Sunflowers and Dune Evening Primrose are present in the sandy fields north and south of Henderson Canyon Road between Borrego Valley Road and Pegleg Monument Yellow-flowering Creosote is in full bloom on S22  as you drive east of Pegleg Monument

• Desert lilies are blooming among a variety of annual plants along the north side of Henderson Canyon Road, between Borrego Valley Road and S22..

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