Natural History Wanderings

Germination is occurring throughout the Borrego Valley, but plants are still small. We could sure use some more rain!

There will undoubtedly be some wildflowers blooming in some parts of the park but where the best blooms will be found remains to be seen. Keep an eye on the “wildflower fields” along Henderson Canyon Road and at the north end of Di Giorgio Road. With another good rainfall this month, plants could grow larger and make a respectable showing. Barring rain, continued high temperatures could spell an early demise for many seedlings.

Desert Lily plants (not flowers, yet) have been spotted in many areas, including just north of the pavement’s end on Di Giorgio Road.

Annual flowers such as phacelia, pincushion, and desert dandelion are coming into bloom at the Visitor Center; shrubs including brittlebush and chuparosa will make a beautiful showing as well.

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