Natural History Wanderings

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park has the following Wildflower Update for February 27, 2015

Unseasonably warm temperatures earlier in the month brought annual
wildflowers into bloom fairly quickly.

For the first time in several years, desert sunflower and dune primrose are
blooming along Henderson Canyon Road, though plants are small and less
showy than in peak years. Predicted winds this weekend can have a
severe drying effect, so the plants may not last much longer. An occasional
desert lily rewards the sharp-eyed flower seeker.

Annual flowers including purple phacelia and yellow desert dandelion are
blooming at the Visitor Center and in Borrego Palm Canyon; shrubs such
as brittlebush, chuparosa, and desert lavender are making a beautiful
showing as well, especially in western canyons.

Creamy brown-eyed evening primrose and pink sand verbena can be found
in the fields along DiGiorgio Road and alongside many of the roads
throughout the Borrego Valley.

Caterpillars of the white-lined sphinx moth have devoured most of the
blossoms at the north end of DiGiorgio Road.

Daytime temperatures are warm, but mornings are delightful for hiking,
exploring, and wildflower-seeking!

For updates, join Anza-Borrego Foundation’s email list at www.theabf.org
or call the State Park Wildflower Hotline, 760-767-4684.